Land acquisition, NOCs delay state road projects

SHILLONG: Most of the 21 road projects worth Rs 12,280 crore, which are to be implemented by the National Highway Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL), are yet to start as the “four initial stages” are taking time.
Deputy Chief Minister and in-charge of PWD Prestone Tynsong told reporters on Wednesday that there are four stages — identifying alignment, getting NOCs from district councils and the Forest Department and land acquisition — before civil construction can finally begin.
“These four stages are unavoidable and hence there is delay,” he said.
The NHIDCL website says civil work for 51 km Tura-Dalu road project, which includes a bypass, has been awarded to one M/s Manaranjan Brahma. Most of the other projects are in the planning stage.
Tynsong said the government had review meetings with NHIDCL and the firm has been asked to fast track work.
“If they need any kind of support, we will always help them out,” Tynsong said, adding that the government is on the job for a few projects like Mawngap-Mawphlang-Welloi-Mawkyrwat and Ranikor.
He also said the road project from Nongstoin-Kyrshai-Rambrai and Chhaygaon “is progressing well and the NH 127B from Ampati-Zigzag-Mahendraganj has made good progress and the government will soon invite tender for the project”.