SHILLONG: Delay in distribution of compensation package is creating hurdles for land acquisition for the expansion project of the arterial NH-44 from Jowai to Ratacherra.
Last year, NHAI handed over Rs 164 crore, which is 80 per cent of the total land compensation amount, to the district administration but the money has not been distributed till date and locals are refusing to part with land.
Sources in the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) said the implementing agency, which requires 16 hectares, has not received “even a piece of land” for constructing a toll plaza at Ialong.
“Right now, we have worked on only 60 km of the road and we have to work on 40 km more but we need more land for it,” sources said.
It was informed that the toll plaza was supposed to be constructed somewhere else but the district administration requested NHAI to shift it to Ialong.
The sources also clarified that the project is for widening and improving the road and not for constructing a new one. The width of the road was 5.5 meters earlier but now it has been increased to 9.5 meters and 10 meters. Some stretches are being widened to 7-8 meters, officials said and added that work is being done in parts as there is no land. There will be one more overlay for the entire road when widening and improvement work is fully completed.
In addition, the implementing agency is still finding it tough to work in Sonapur area since it is an eco-sensitive zone.
The expansion work of the arterial NH-44, which is in a dilapidated condition, has been approved under Phase-III of the National Highway Development Programme and the road will be a boon not only for Meghalaya but also for other neighbouring states like Assam and Mizoram.
NHAI is also calling for an intervention by the administration of East and West Jaintia Hills, besides the state government, to speed up the project.
