Rs 7,000-cr central projects facing delays in Meghalaya

SHILLONG: Union minister DV Sadananda Gowda said on Thursday six central projects worth over Rs 7000 crore are being implemented in Meghalaya.
Briefing reporters after a review meeting, Gowda said the original cost of these infrastructure projects was Rs 7108.02 crore and the anticipated completion cost is Rs 9,025.00, implying a cost overrun of Rs 1,916.98 crore.
The minister urged officials concerned to work in a time-bound manner.
The minister for Statistics and Programme Implementation said huge funds have been given for construction of the cancer wing at NEIGRIHMS, three national highways, International Centre for Arts and Culture, besides the railway project, which alone counts more than Rs 6,000 crore.
On the NEIGRIHMS project, the minister said the deadline for completion of the cancer wing is August 2018 and that the Centre is committed to turning it into a world class medical institution.
The International Centre for Arts and Culture being constructed at a cost of Rs 156 crore will be completed in time, he added.
The minister expressed his satisfaction over the utilisation of 95 per cent of MPLADS funds in the state. He, however, also added that that the release of funds would be subject to timely submission of utilisation certificates. He also requested district authorities to make best use of MPLADS portal by updating regularly.
Each MP is given Rs 5 crore every year.
“The projects under MPLADS are worth appreciating and I congratulate Meghalaya government for utilising MPLADS in a proper manner,” he said.
Umsning Bypass delay
Gowda on Thursday expressed concern over the delay in completion of Umsning bypass in Ri Bhoi and directed NHAI officials to expedite the process. He also directed the officials to repair the existing road at the earliest.
The minister also said there are issues regarding land acquisition and he is going to raise the matter during his meeting with Chief Minister Mukul Sangma.