By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: The ongoing Shillong-Nongstoin-Tura Highway project seems to off the track due to the same old problem of land acquisition like most other projects in the State.
PWD Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar on Monday told reporters that land acquisition process in some of the portion of the road was yet to be completed.
The work on the 264.30-kilometer Shillong-Nongstoin-Tura road started in February, 2011and the timeline to finish the project is March, 2014.
The project, once completed, would provide major relief to the people who have to travel through Assam to reach Garo Hills.
The existing Shillong-Nongstoin-Tura Highway is in a dilapidated condition despite the road being declared as a National Highway in 2004.
The inability of the State Government to acquire land for the project has affected the progress of work.
“We are on the job and are trying our level best to ensure that land is available for the project,” the minister said even as he made it clear that the State Government cannot seek extension from the Centre.
“But in case the project is delayed, we can only seek for more time provided we produce substantial and reasonable reasons to the Centre,” he said.