By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Dec 9: Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong on Tuesday said the survey for the high-speed corridor from Mawlyngkhung (near Shillong) in Meghalaya to Panchgram (near Silchar) in Assam has reached an advanced stage.
To expedite the process, the government has directed different line departments to work in unison as there is a need to plan even utility shifting.
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, had earlier this year approved a proposal for the development, maintenance and management of the four-lane greenfield high-speed corridor on a hybrid annuity mode at a cost of Rs 22,864 crore.
144.80 km of the project length lies in Meghalaya while 22 km lies in Assam.
Tynsong admitted that land is the biggest challenge in Meghalaya and hence, the government wants to ensure that all land issues are resolved before the detailed project report is prepared.
The government has constituted committees in different districts, comprising the Deputy Commissioner and other stakeholders, to ensure that land acquisition is completed at the earliest.
The development of the corridor will improve connectivity to Tripura, Mizoram, Manipur and Barak Valley region of Assam from mainland and Guwahati with substantially reduced travel distance and time.
Shillong-Dawki Road project
The National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL), executing the work on the four-lane road from Rilbong till Baniun in Upper Shillong as part of the Shillong-Dawki Road, has reiterated the commitment to the state government that the work on Package-1 will be completed within this month even as the design for the proposed flyover from Rilbong till Barik is being prepared.
Tynsong, who also holds the charge of PWD (Roads), said the project’s progress in packages 1, 2 4 and 5 is quite satisfactory.
“There may be small issues but by and large, the road (from Rilbong to Baniun) will be made functional within December 31,” he said.
He further said that he has discussed the issue of pollution of the Umngot River and directions have been given to the construction company to comply with the directions of the Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board.
As far as Package 3 of the project in Pynursla Bypass area is concerned, Rs 95 crore has been sanctioned for land compensation.
Talking about the Shillong Western Bypass, Tynsong said the entire project will be completed within next year. He said while there is good progress in packages 1 and 2, there are some issues of claims and counter-claims in package 3.
Asked about the proposed flyover in the city, Tynsong said it is supposed to be constructed from Rilbong till Anjalee Pump but since the state government requested for its extension till Barik, the NHIDCL has agreed for the same. He added that the design of the project is under preparation.
