Four-lane road at Umsning
By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: The State Government is yet to take a final call over construction of the four-lane road along the Umsning stretch of the highway.
“We are yet to take a decision on the construction of the four-lane road along the Umsning stretch. The Government would expeditiously take a final call on this matter,” Chief Minister Dr Mukul Sangma said on the sidelines of his meeting with the NHAI officials in the presence of senior government officials here on Monday.
Dr Sangma said that the government had not set any time frame for taking a final decision on this matter, but added that the decision would be taken very soon.
The Chief Minister, however, refrained from giving any reply when asked about the delay in initiating the project, given that the fact-finding committee appointed by the Government to find an acceptable solution to the four-lane construction impasse had already submitted its report.
Reacting to the opposition by certain NGOs against constructing the four-lane road through the existing road at Umsning, the Chief Minister said that the Government cannot base its decision on ‘external voices’.
Dr Sangma also exuded confidence that the project would be completed in the first quarter of 2013 though the actual deadline is February 2014.
“If this is achieved we would be able to complete one year ahead of the scheduled time,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Chief Minister informed that the meeting also discussed the scope for modifications in the ongoing construction of the four-laning of the Umiam-Jorabat stretch of the highway.
“We want to make the proposed road an attractive one. We would also like to see that people who drive along this road would have a thrilling experience,” he said, while adding that they would also be working on the scope for landscaping along the medium width which divides the road.
The Chief Minister also informed that during the meeting, the NHAI officials had proposed acquisition of additional land for the project. “There will be a joint examination between the Government and NHAI for the acquisition of additional land for the project,” Dr Sangma added.
‘Road leading to Umroi Airport to be ready soon’
The State Government is seeking for early completion of the portion of the road from Umiam towards the Shillong Airport at Umroi, which is part of the Shillong Bypass, possibly within the ongoing dry season.
“Construction of the road from Umiam towards Shillong Umroi airport would be completed within this dry season. Once this road is completed it would be of great benefit for people who would catch their flight from the Airport,” Chief Minister Dr Mukul Sangma said on Monday.
While informing that major construction work of the Shillong Bypass is presently going on in full swing, he said that 70 per cent of the culverts had already been constructed while construction of all the bridges would be done within the next monsoon season.
Meanwhile, he also informed that there was one area of concern which has to be resolved with the PHE department and the MeECL.
“The problem is the shifting of the utilities of both the PHE and MeECL which are obstructing the construction of the road,” Dr Sangma added.