Our Bureau
SHILLONG/GUWAHATI, Jan 2: The National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) is looking to float the tender for the high-speed corridor connecting Mawlyngkhung (Meghalaya) to Panchgram (Assam) by February 28.
It is learnt that NHIDCL has also completed project planning, and environmental clearance for the massive project is expected within the next four to five weeks.
Last year, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs had approved the proposal for development, maintenance and management of a four-lane Greenfield Access Controlled 166.80 km of National Highway No. 06 from Mawlyngkhung (near Shillong) in Meghalaya to Panchgram (near Silchar) in Assam on hybrid annuity mode as an access controlled Greenfield High-Speed Corridor at a total capital cost of Rs 22,864 crore.
Assam Chief Secretary Ravi Kota on Thursday said land acquisition for the high-speed corridor project has begun in the state.
The chief secretary informed that about 85 per cent of the land for the project falls in Meghalaya and acquisition of the same will be completed by the Meghalaya government under norms of the hill council.
“The NHIDCL has completed the planning process for the project while the environmental clearance is expected within the next four to five weeks,” Kota said.
“The highway is expected to be completed within 48 months from the start of construction,” he added.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said that once the high-speed corridor is operational, travel time between Guwahati and Silchar would be reduced to just six hours. “There is a proposal for a six-lane project between Guwahati and Byrnihat as well. So, once these projects are completed, Barak Valley and the rest of Assam will be better connected along with significantly reduced travel time,” he said.
Out of the 166.80 km of the road length, 144.80 km lies in Meghalaya while 22.00 km lies in Assam.
The project is aimed at easing congestion and improving traffic flow between Guwahati and Silchar. The alignment passes through Ri-Bhoi, East Khasi Hills, West Jaintia Hills and East Jaintia Hills districts in Meghalaya, and Cachar district in Assam.
