By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: Shillongites could soon get a bit of relief from the frequent traffic snarls as the much delayed Shillong Bypass project is nearing its completion.
Sources from the GR Infrastructure, the company which has assigned with the construction work, on Monday said that the main work is nearly complete with ‘final touches’ being given to the project.
It would be an achievement of sorts for the authorities if the Shillong Bypass project, which has been lingering for more than 20 years, finally materializes.
“The black topping is fully complete and we are at the last stage of the project,” sources said.
The work which is progressing at an impressive pace is nearing completion in different parts of East Khasi Hills and Ri-Bhoi districts.
According to sources, the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) is already conducting security audit which is a mandatory exercise to check the road signs, intersections and accident prone areas on the road.
When asked by when the project can be inaugurated, sources said that the NHAI and the State Government can consult and decide on the inauguration.
Earlier, Chief Minister Dr Mukul Sangma had announced that the project would be inaugurated before the Christmas last year however, the deadline could not be met.
The 47.06-km Bypass, which will start at Umiam in Ri-Bhoi district and end at National Highway-44 at Mawryngkneng in East Khasi Hills district, is being implemented by M/S GR -Chetak (JV).
The Bypass which is being constructed at a cost of Rs 220.35 crore will include one major and eight minor bridges.