By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: The National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) has asserted that the double-laning of the 109-kilometre stretch of National Highway 44 from Jowai to Malidor would begin by next year even though the land acquisition process is presently in its nascent stage.
Jaintia Hills Deputy Commissioner PS Dkhar on Friday said the district administration is in the stage of identifying those land owners whose land will be required for the ambitious project. The double-laning of NH-44 from Jowai to Malidor has been approved under Phase III of the National Highway Development Programme (NHDP).
The NHAI is planning to start the construction from next year as it requires at least six months’ time for financial enclosure.
“The land acquisition process will take some time but our officials are already on the job,” Dkhar added.
Dkhar stated that he would monitor the entire proceedings to ensure that the project takes off at the earliest without any hurdle.
The proposed two-lane project is expected to improve connectivity in the interior areas of Jaintia Hills besides largely reducing traffic snarls in and around Jowai town.
The project will be implemented by Simplex Infrastructure Limited.
It is learnt that the preliminary project report has been completed and the Revenue and Forest department is presently examining the land plan.