SHILLONG: Chief Minister Mukul Sangma has said that the Centre has agreed to support the State in construction of new roads besides upgradation of the existing roads in the State.
Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari gave this assurance when Sangma called on him in New Delhi on Monday.
“I briefed the Union minister in details about the projects the State Government is planning to take up,” Sangma said over telephone from Delhi on Monday.
While briefing in details on the projects proposed to the Centre, he said that his government has decided to upgrade the existing Shillong-Jowai-Malidhar road under the Special Accelerated Rural Development Programme as well as according special focus on newly created districts in the state.
The Chief Minister informed that work on Shillong-Nongstoin-Tura state highway, which is underway, would be expedited so that its early completion is achieved. Besides this, work on the Pasi-Garam Pani road, Salang-Athiabari-Boko road, Rongjeng-Mangsang via Adopgre to Dupdhara connecting NH 37 will also be expedited.
Another line of connectivity discussed with the union minister was the expansion of NH 62, fast tracking of NH 127B, Srirampur-Dhubri-Phulbari-Nongstoin road and a “dream project” as envisaged by Sangma – an 11km bridge over the Brahmaputra.
“I have also suggested that the bridge may be integrated with railway connectivity so that it becomes a monumental wonder that will be acknowledged nationally,” Sangma said.
The Chief Minister informed that Gadkari has asked the state government to submit a DPR for improvement of NH 31 (Tura-Dalu) as well as the Tura Bypass so as to ease traffic movement along the otherwise busy roads.
Another significant point discussed between Sangma and Gadkari was the improvement of waterways whereby Jingjiram River, along the southern slopes of Garo Hills, would be explored for transportation facilities.
Sangma is returning to Shillong on Thursday.