By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, June 23: The Meghalaya government has abandoned the idea of constructing a four-lane elevated road from Umiam to Rilbong, as the project is not feasible.
The government had planned an elevated four-lane road up to Rilbong as an alternative following the restrictions on the Umiam and the resultant traffic jam in the area.
Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong, in charge of PWD (Roads), said the government reviewed the project and decided to expand the existing Umiam-Shillong road with a 10-metre width.
“We decided to abandon the elevated road project after the preliminary survey indicated a cost that was beyond imagination,” he told reporters on Monday.
He said the survey for the proposed high-speed corridor from Umiam to the Assam border is more or less complete, and the Deputy Commissioners of the Ri-Bhoi, East Khasi hills, West Jaintia Hills, and East Jaintia Hills districts will soon finalise its centre line.
Asked if there are land acquisition challenges, Tynsong said the DCs have taken the responsibility in this regard, and they are holding meetings with the landowners and traditional heads.
“The survey is almost completed and I am sure the central line will be finalised soon,” he said.
As far as the Shillong-Dawki road project is concerned, the state government has asked the NHIDCL to expedite the work, although it is progressing well despite the prolonged monsoon season.
This road is expected to be completed by 2026.
The Western Bypass Road project, however, continues to face problems of claims and counterclaims over the land, and the DC concerned has been directed to resolve the issues and make sure that the project is not delayed.
Tynsong also said claims of ownership of land will not be entertained until and unless people have proper documents.