SHILLONG: The Centre is implementing projects worth Rs 1.50 lakh crore in the North East, Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari said on Monday.
Addressing a gathering after the inauguration of the Jowai-Ratacherra road, Gadkari pointed out that land acquisition and forest clearances are a big problem in the region and sought states’ cooperation for fast tracking road projects.
Road connectivity, he said, “is crucial for industrial development and the Centre has prioritised infrastructure development in the North East”.
Gadkari cited the example of the Jowai-Ratacherra road saying the 102-km stretch “is very important for development of industries in Meghalaya as it passes through cement and coal belts”.
“With the travel time reduced from 4 hours to 2.5 hours, now trucks and heavy vehicles coming from Brahmaputra Valley can move smoothly in a record time frame to Silchar in Barak Valley within Assam and thus providing connectivity to other NE states like Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura and southern Assam,” a statement to the media said.
The project started in November 2015 and was completed in May this year at a cost of Rs 683 crore. It was upgraded to two-lane with paved shoulders.
Gadkari advised the National Highway Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited to make small packages of road projects and give more contracts to locals. He, however, made it clear that the ministry cannot compromise on the quality of roads.
Stressing the need for states to have a strong political will to develop roads, Gadkari said the ministry is keen to develop waterways in the region, which is much cheaper than road ways and railways.
He also urged the northeastern states to use raw materials of bamboo.
Chief Minister Conrad Sangma termed the inauguration of the road as historic and said it would be a boon as the road passes through highly economic active zone.
The newly upgraded road has three major bridges, 34 minor bridges, 441 culverts, a 123-metre tunnel, two toll plazas, 17 bus bays and shelters, a truck lay bay, way side amenities at two locations, besides other facilities.
Later, Gadkari held a review meeting of all ongoing national highway projects in the region with chief ministers, central and state officials and contractors after the inauguration.
