SHILLONG: Despite several hurdles, the upgradation work of Jowai-Ratacherra two lane road project has made a satisfactory progress as of now and things have started to take shape.
An official from the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) said that more than 90 kilometers of the road has been completed out of the total stretch of 102 km.
However, the NHAI is yet to get the land from the district administration of West Jaintia Hills for setting up project facilities and toll plaza on the road. The delay in handing over the land to the NHAI has also been taken up with the state government.
In addition, the land would also be used for road construction work near Sonaupur and nearby areas besides land is also required for drainage work and carriage way. It may be mentioned that the scheduled date for completion of the project is May 2018
The expansion work of the arterial NH-44 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, including Assam and Mizoram.
The Jowai-Ratacherra road has over the years posed numerous difficulties to commuters who have had to brave the dilapidated stretch. Hence, its repair will be a welcome change. The project cost is Rs 630 crore
