Jowai-Ratacherra road project 50% complete

SHILLONG: The Rs 630 crore Jowai-Ratacherra road upgradation project is in progress and 50 per cent of the work has been completed, an official said on Saturday.
The official informed that widening of the road and drainage work is complete in areas where land was available. In Khliehriat and Ladrymbai, drainage work is yet to start as the land is now encroached by houses and shops.
Land acquisition and utility shifting are pending in many areas and with the advent of the rain, pace of work will slow down, the official said.
According to the official, the implementing agency has also got permission for construction work in forest areas and it will have to comply with the conditions of the Ministry of Environment and Forest.
Besides, expansion work of the arterial NH-44 has been approved under Phase-III of the National Highway Development Programme.
The deadline for the 103-km project is May 2018. The road will be a boon not only for Meghalaya but also for other neighbouring states, including Assam and Mizoram.
The Jowai-Ratacherra road has over the years posed numerous difficulties to commuters who had to brave the dilapidated stretch. Hence, its repair will be a welcome change.