SHILLONG, Aug 18: The development of the much-anticipated High-Speed Corridor from Umiam to the Barak Valley in Assam has hit a significant roadblock, as at least four villages in Meghalaya have refused to give up their land for the project. The proposed corridor, which is expected to revolutionise transportation in the region, is estimated to cost over Rs 20,000 crore.
Officials have reported that Diengpasoh village, located along the 27.5 km to 30 km stretch of the proposed road, has expressed its unwillingness to part with its land. Similarly, three villages in West Jaintia Hills — Mawkyndor, Lad Mukhla, and Mukhla Mission — have also declined to provide land for the corridor, insisting that the government should instead upgrade the existing road infrastructure.
The High-Speed Corridor is designed with a mostly straight, greenfield alignment, and officials from the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) have made it clear that altering the alignment would be nearly impossible, as even a slight change could affect large portions of the road.
The Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the corridor is currently being prepared, and NHIDCL hopes to award the project within the current financial year, contingent on the state government securing the necessary land.
The corridor, spanning approximately 160 km, is planned to start from Umiam, pass through Shillong Bypass, Mawryngkneng, Ratacherra, and terminate at Panchgram in Assam’s Cachar district. The project aims to facilitate quicker transportation of goods and provide a smoother travel experience, especially for those heading to Silchar and other Northeastern states, who currently endure poor road conditions and frequent traffic snarls, particularly on the Ratacherra stretch during the rainy season.
To expedite land acquisition, the state government has established District Level Committees tasked with negotiating with landowners.
However, officials revealed that the government’s efforts are constrained by the lack of formal revenue records for the land in question.
The success of the project hinges on these ongoing negotiations and the willingness of the villagers to cooperate.
