By Aafaque Hussain
SHILLONG: The ongoing work of the Shillong Bypass is progressing at a good pace and the project has achieved sixty per cent of physical progress.
An official of the National highway Authority of India (NHAI), who did not wish to be named, said, “The agency is now targeting to complete the project before its January, 2014 deadline.”
“We are trying our best to complete the project as soon as possible but nothing can be taken for granted in case of such a mega project,” the NHAI official said.
The completion of the Shillong Bypass will give the much needed relief to the citizens of Shillong from the ever increasing traffic as all vehicles bound for Jaintia Hills and Assam would be diverted via the Bypass.
The NHAI now requires additional land to align the project geometrically, the official said.
According him, the compensation amount for the additional required land has already been deposited to the Office of the Deputy Commissioner, East Khasi Hills while estimates are being prepared for the additional required land in Ri-Bhoi district.
However, the onset of monsoon has hampered the on going work, he added
The Bypass which has been lingering for more than 20 years has finally seen its materialization with construction work going on at an impressive pace in different parts of the East Khasi Hills and Ri Bhoi district.
The 47.06 kilometer Shillong Bypass project, which will start at Barapani in Ri Bhoi district and end at National Highway 44 at Mawryngkneng in East Khasi Hills district, is implemented by M/S GR -Chetak (JV).
An official of the M/S GR -Chetak (JV) said the additional land is required for areas like Diengpasoh besides some villages in the Ri-Bhoi district.
Rs 220.35 crore project includes one major and eight minor bridges.
Meanwhile, pathetic roads of Umroi are now thing of the past thanks to the ongoing construction of the Shillong Bypass.