By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: The Planning Commission has approved the inter-state bus terminus (ISBT) and inter-state truck terminus (ISTT) projects of the State Government.
Disclosing this here on Tuesday, Transport Minister AT Mondal said the budget of the two projects has been fixed at Rs 48.31 crore and Rs 26 crore respectively.
The State Government intends to set up the ISTB near Mawiong and the ISTT is expected to come up at Sumer.
According to Mondal, the land evaluation for the ISTB is presently going on.
The State Government is, however, keeping its fingers crossed over the land acquisition process as acquiring land for any Government project is considered to be a biggest challenge in the State.
“We require around 10 acres of land for the ISBT and the land owners so far have extended their support for the project,” Mondal added.
No deadline has been set for the commissioning of the ISBT and ISTT projects since according to the government the completion of the projects depends on availability of fund.
Illegal collection by Assam: On illegal collection of money from coal-laden trucks at Jorbat by Assam Transport Department, Mondal said he had already directed the Ri-Bhoi administration to look into the matter.
It may be mentioned here that the personnel from Enforcement Wing of Assam Transport Department led by an inspector have stationed themselves opposite the Monford School (near NRL Pump) at Jorabat which falls under Meghalaya.
Assam officials are reportedly charging between Rs 1,000 to Rs 1500 from each truck.
‘If required, we will take up the matter with the Assam Government,” Mondal said.
