By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Sep 6: The ongoing upgrade of the Shillong-Dawki road is expected to accelerate after the monsoon, with significant improvements visible by March next year, according to the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL).
Albeit the bituminous work has been delayed owing to the rainy season, officials have assured that the pace will pick up by next month.
“By October, when the rains subside, contractors will begin working at full capacity,” NHIDCL officials stated, adding that despite the monsoon-related challenges, some work, such as hill cutting, is still under way in various stretches of the road.
It was also informed that the current condition of the road is deteriorating with the entire road under construction and extended rainfall.
However, sources in the NHIDCL informed that they have made temporary provisions to ensure minimal disruption, amid the ongoing road repairs, for commuters.
They emphasised that the new road will be laid over the existing deteriorated sections soon.
It may be mentioned that progress has been notable in Package 1 of the project, which was awarded last year, allowing contractors ample time to execute the work.
However, Packages 2, 4 and 5 have seen slower progress, as the contracts were awarded the same during the monsoon, but full-scale work is expected to begin shortly.
Meanwhile, Package 3 continues to face hurdles due to local objections but consultations are ongoing, and NHIDCL aims to award the contract within this financial year.