SHILLONG: The long-pending 103km Jowai-Ratacherra road project is facing hurdles dues to delay in getting necessary clearance.
An official dealing with the project informed that there are several issues which is plaguing the implementation of the road project and the physical road progress of the road is only 10 percent as of now.
According to the official, unavailability of the land is the biggest factor and the implementing agency is hoping that the whole land acquisition process would be over soon before the work can be taken up.
“Recently, the Government has issued notification for land acquisition in East Jaintia Hills and we hope the land will be made available to us,” the official said.
In addition, delay in issue of forest clearances for the project is also a major cause of concern for the implementing agency as some land passes right through the Narpuh forest reserve.
The official however hoped that the project would pick up some pace after the rainy season even as the firm is confident that the project will be completed at the earliest when the land is available with them as was the case with the Shillong Bye pass which was completed one year ahead of its deadline.
The proposed upgra-dation of NH 44 from Jowai (WJH) to Ratacherra (EJH) has been off the track for several years.
