By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: Following up on its decision to construct the four-lane highway along the proposed Umsning Bypass, the State Government has decided to construct the Shillong-Nongstoin-Tura road through the proposed Sohiong Bypass and not through Sohiong village as was being demanded by PWD Minister and Sohiong legislator HDR Lyngdoh.
“We have been able to convince the PWD Minister that the best possible option is to construct the Shillong-Nongstoin-Tura road through the proposed Sohiong Bypass. We have also explained him about the difficulties we would face if the original alignment of the road is changed,” a senior government official informed on Sunday.
As per the original alignment, the highway has been diverted from Lad Mawreng on the way to Mawngap and it would meet the existing Shillong-Nongstoin road after bypassing Sohiong village.
“We have also issued a notification for acquisition of the land identified for the purpose. After completion of the whole formalities, the Government would start payment of compensation to the various land owners,” official sources added.
The State Government’s decision would be a huge setback for the PWD Minister, who had earlier urged the government to reconsider the original alignment and allow construction of the highway to pass through the village since the road has a huge impact on the economy of the people in Sohiong. Lyngdoh had argued that if vehicles do not plying through the village then most of the shops located along the existing road would have to be closed down, which would severely affect the economy of the people.
It may be noted that there are many food stalls including wine stores set up along the existing highway that runs through Sohiong village.
Meanwhile, the State Government’s decision has been hailed by people who, otherwise, have to depend on Assam to reach Garo Hills since the existing Shillong-Nongstoin-Tura highway is in a dilapidated condition despite the road being declared a National Highway in 2004. Moreover, people have to face frequent bandhs and agitations called in Assam which hits vehicular movement through Assam, thereby affecting people who travel from Khasi Hills to Garo Hills via Assam.
It may be mentioned that the Hyderabad based firm M/S BSC-C &C (JV) was on February 21, 2011, allotted the work for construction of the Rs 1494-crore Shillong-Nongstoin-Tura highway. The firm has been given three years to complete the work.