SHILLONG, Jan 17: The much-anticipated extension of the four-lane road from Umiam to Shillong is set to become a reality as the Centre has agreed to sanction the project.
The project will help address the perennial problem of traffic congestion and challenges faced by heavy vehicles on the Umiam-Shillong route.
After reviewing the ongoing road projects on Friday, Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong, who also holds the Public Works Department (PWD) portfolio, said the Centre has agreed to sanction the project. He said discussions will be held soon with consultants to finalise the road alignment. The extended road will bypass the Umiam Dam, ensuring a seamless journey.
Currently, the four-lane road stretches from Guwahati to Umiam. However, the journey from Umiam to Shillong remains a bottleneck due to heavy traffic and the restrictions on the movement of heavy vehicles along the Umiam Dam stretch.
Stressing the need for the project, Tynsong said the extension of the four-lane road will not only significantly reduce travel time but also enhance connectivity.
Meanwhile, the Centre said upgrading the Umiam-Jorabat four-lane road into a six-lane highway is not a priority at present. The government said the focus is on upgrading the Guwahati-Nagaon four-lane road in Assam into a six-lane road.
Apart from the Umiam-Shillong four-lane road extension, the government is also concentrating on other crucial road projects. One is the high-speed corridor from Umiam to Ratacherra which will entail an estimated cost of Rs 25,000 crore.
The proposed Greenfield project will avoid villages, communities, and even the existing Shillong Bypass, ensuring minimal disruption and faster travel. The Centre has emphasised the completion of this project.
Other key projects reviewed on Friday included the Shillong-Dawki Road Project, Western Bypass, Tura-Dalu Road, Dainadubi-Williamnagar Road and others.
Tynsong claimed that the progress of work of these projects is commendable but added that land acquisition challenges remain a significant hurdle. He said issues, including claims and counterclaims, are being addressed systematically.
On land acquisition for the Shillong Western Bypass project and allegations of middlemen demanding commissions from landowners, Tynsong said the landowners can directly deal with the government or through representatives, as per their preference.
He affirmed that all compensation payments have been made after thorough verifications, leaving no room for additional claims.
“We have completed the entire process. No further claims will be entertained,” he said.
Resolution of Defence land issues
Tynsong highlighted the resolution of long-standing issues with defence authorities over permission for constructing Package 1 of the Shillong-Dawki Road. With all clearances granted to the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited, the project is set to move forward.
Tynsong said the government is committed to ensuring timely completion of all major road projects. He directed the PWD to expedite work and resolve pending issues swiftly, promising a transformative boost to Meghalaya’s road infrastructure.
