Land hurdle persists for Pynursla Bypass
SHILLONG, Dec 1: The state government aims to complete the long-delayed Shillong-Dawki road project by the end of 2026. While work on four of the project’s five packages is progressing swiftly, the land acquisition process for Package 3 — the Pynursla Bypass — remains a significant challenge.
“We are targeting completion by 2026. Packages 1, 2, 4, and 5 are moving forward at full speed. The remaining hurdle is the land acquisition for the Pynursla Bypass under Package 3,” said Deputy Chief Minister in charge of PWD (Roads), Prestone Tynsong.
Tynsong noted that the four companies involved in the project are working extensively, employing heavy machinery and deploying manpower across six to seven locations simultaneously. “This level of effort indicates that the project will be completed within the stipulated time,” he added.
Regarding the Pynursla Bypass, Tynsong acknowledged that while the land acquisition process has begun smoothly with landowners, local Raids, and Shnongs, complications could still arise. “From past experiences, we know that disputes can emerge. For instance, when a landowner, Master A, is notified, another claimant, Master B, might appear, asserting shared ownership. Such disputes entangle the process and can cause delays,” he explained.
Tynsong reminded that a previous company executing the project had abandoned it due to delays in land acquisition. However, he assured that 90% of the required land has now been handed over to the companies, enabling them to proceed with the project.
The 90-km Shillong-Dawki road project, divided into five packages, is funded by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) at an estimated cost of Rs 1,377.5 crore. The project, initially slated for completion in December 2022, has faced repeated delays due to issues such as land acquisition, forest clearances, and the relocation of power lines and water pipelines.