By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Oct 30: Shillong MP Ricky AJ Syngkon and local MLA Brightstarwell Marbaniang on Wednesday inspected two significant road projects in Mawlai constituency, funded under the North East Special Infrastructure Development Scheme (NESIDS) and Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY).
During the inspection, the leaders, accompanied by PWD officials, assessed the ongoing construction of a 14.279-km road from Shillong city to Umroi Airport under NESIDS.
According to Marbaniang, the project, which began on May 6, 2023, is approximately 39 percent complete, with a sanctioned budget of Rs 34.63 crore.
The officials also reviewed progress on the 10-km PMGSY road from Lummawsing Mawtawar to Mawsiatkham, joined by PWD Chief Engineer (Standard) AB Umdor and other department officials.
This road, once critical during restricted movement through Umiam Bridge, was assigned to the contractor on January 11 this year, with a 12-month completion target.
The project, funded with Rs 6.85 crore, is around 70 percent complete.
During the inspection, Marbaniang urged the contractor to adhere strictly to specifications, as some sections have shown quality issues.
Responding to a query, he noted that monsoon delays might push completion to March next year.
Meanwhile, Syngkon mentioned that the contractor is responsible for maintaining the road for five years after its completion.
He also emphasised that the Dorbar Shnongs should alert the authorities if any portion of the road needs repair.
“We should not wait till the whole stretch of the road is in dilapidated condition,” Syngkon said.
Marbaniang later inspected additional projects, including the upgrade of the Umjarain-Mawsiatkham road to an intermediate lane with Rs 1.94 crore budget.
He also reviewed the 7.9-km road from Umshing-Umsohlang Bridge to Mawlai Bypass leading to ISBT, Mawiong, as part of follow-up inspections.
This road is set for Rs 9 crore upgrade under RIDF, with tender invitations already issued.
An additional Rs 5 crore from the state has been proposed for widening, retaining wall construction, levelling and drainage improvements.