By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: As part of the beautification plan in the city, the State Government is proposing to revamp the market place and redundant parking lot at Motphran.
Urban Affairs Minister Ampareen Lyngdoh said the proposal is still in the incubation stage and the detailed project report (DPR) is yet to be prepared. “I have already asked my officers to survey the whole area and submit a report as soon as possible,” Lyngdoh said.
The government is planning to revamp the Motphran junction by shifting the monuments located in the area to another location. The matter has also been discussed with the PWD.
“I have done a study of the monument at Motphran and found that it does not contain any remains of freedom fighters of the State,” Lyngdoh said adding that the removal of the monuments will pave way for the setting up of a traffic umbrella.
Observing that the junction is one of the busiest in the city, Lyngdoh said that there is a need to “reduce the circle” for easy traffic management. “We have already had talks with the Hima Mylliem on the issue and hope that the work can be implemented at the earliest,” she added.
The Urban Affairs Minister also informed that the government is proposing to construct a multi-storey parking lot to replace the current one at Motphran. The same is expected to ensure better traffic management in and around the busy market area.
Commenting on the condition of the present parking lot, Lyngdoh said the area is ‘dirty and redundant’ and has become a favourite hang-out for unwanted elements.
Lyngdoh also pointed out that the hanging bridge at Motphran is another issue that requires immediate attention. Stating that the old bridge has become a danger to the passers-by Lyngdoh said, “The government is also proposing to shift the bridge to prevent any untoward incident and we are looking forward to revamp the whole market place.”
“The government is awaiting reports from the local MLA,” she added.
The Urban Affairs Minister informed that a study on the longevity of the bridge had already been done two years ago by the PWD and the department had termed the bridge ‘unsafe’. “The PWD had proposed to shift the bridge but it didn’t work out due to land acquisition problem and other resistance from several quarters,” she said.
“Our plan is not to cause inconvenience to the public. We are looking forward to work together with the local authorities and the line departments,” Lyngdoh added.
