Shillong,June 23: Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong, in-charge of Public Works Department (Roads), reviewed road projects implemented by the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) in Meghalaya.
The projects were the Shillong-Dawki road project, Shillong Western Bypass, Speed Corridor, and Tura bypass.
Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Tynsong expressed satisfaction with the progress of the Shillong-Dawki road project, despite challenges posed by rain.
“I am very sure they will be able to complete it as indicated in the contract order by the NHIDCL. I have seen the work is progressing well. Of course, we do have problems because of the rain but I am very sure they will be able to reach the target as already stipulated in the work order,” he said.
He wanted the NHIDCL to speed up work, ensuring completion by the stipulated deadline of 2026. The project includes packages at Pynursla, where work is progressing well.
Tynsong said the Shillong Western Bypass project faces land-related issues, with some individuals claiming ownership.
He directed district collectors to resolve these issues, ensuring the project’s progress isn’t affected. The deadline for completion is also set for 2026.
“I have given direction to all district collectors to resolve this issue and make sure progress of work is not affected and to ensure people making such claims have proper documents otherwise they cannot just blindly claim like that,” Tynsong said.
“We have taken a decision and I have instructed to all deputy collectors to do the needful and make sure the progress of work is fully in good pace and I am sure we will be able to complete the project on time.”
The survey for the Speed Corridor starting from Barapani, Umiam, to the Assam border is also on track.
Whether there is any land problem faced by the project, Tynsong said, “Each district collector is taking responsibility and they have called meeting with all stakeholders especially with the land owners and traditional heads and that has been more or less completed and now the survey is almost complete and I am sure very soon, they will be able to identify even the centre line of this speed corridor.”
On the proposed Tura bypass, Tynsong said that the project is underway, with the 3D notification being prepared by the deputy commissioners of West Garo Hills and South West Garo Hills.
“I also reviewed the proposed Tura by-pass to Dalu. Again the 3D notification is being prepared by the respective district collectors that include deputy commissioners of West Garo Hills and South West Garo Hills. They are working out the 3D notification and very soon this process will be completed and once that is completed, they will come up with the 3G notification,” he said.
The date for commencement and completion of the project is yet to be finalized, he said.
Umiam-Shillong project
The proposed four-laning of the Umiam-Shillong road has been scrapped by the state government due to high costs associated with constructing an elevated road. Instead, a double-lane road will be constructed but with a wider width of 10 kilometers, including the pavement.
Tynsong said that the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) had begun surveying and preparing groundwork for the four-laning project.
However, during a meeting with the NHIDCL managing director in Delhi, it was informed that preliminary reports have indicated that the cost of constructing an elevated road was prohibitively expensive.
“Accordingly I convened a meeting with officials of the department and we have decided to abandon that idea of converting the Umiam to Shillong road into four lane,” he said.
The deputy chief minister said the new plan involves retaining the existing double-lane road but widening it to 10 kilometers, including the pavement.
“But this time we are going to stick to the double lane of the existing road but it should be 10 kms width including the pavement,” he said.
The decision aims to balance the need for improved infrastructure with budgetary constraints.
The project aims to enhance connectivity and facilitate smoother travel between Umiam and Shillong.
