By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, March 18: The work of the four-lane road on the Rilbong-Upper Shillong stretch under package 1 of the Shillong-Dawki project is expected to be completed in two years.
The four-lane road will come as a huge relief for those who regularly commute between Rilbong and Upper Shillong. Traffic jam is a serious problem on this stretch.
After delays of several years, the work finally began earlier this year. The physical progress of the project is slightly over 6 per cent.
An official of the National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) said although the work will be affected during the monsoon season, they will continue with the structure works. Different milestones are being achieved on time and the project is going on as per schedule, he said.
The implementing agency is, however, facing some issues as they are not getting necessary permissions from defence forces.
The official said the work in 2-3km of the area is being affected. He said they have already held multiple meetings with the defence authorities as well as the state government to resolve the issues.
The package 1 of the Shillong Dawki project from Rilbong to Upper Shillong, which will include a flyover or an elevated road, is being constructed at a cost of Rs 351 crore.
Meanwhile, the state government is also making attempts to boost air connectivity by inviting a request for proposals (RFP) from bidders for the selection of an airline operator to provide flight services from Shillong to various cities in the country.
The Transport Department invited the RFP from bidders for the selection of operators to provide flight services on the Delhi-Shillong-Delhi, Mumbai- Shillong-Mumbai, Hyderabad-Shillong-Hyderabad, Bengaluru-Shillong- Bengaluru and Chennai-Shillong-Chennai routes.
