The State government said that the Finance Ministry’s approval of Rs 2000 crore of World Bank loan for developing roads and logistics infrastructure in the State under the second phase of the Meghalaya Integrated Transport Project (MITP), is an outcome of the successful implementation of the first phase of the MITP.
According to a government statement issued today, Chief Minister Conrad Sangma, in a meeting with Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on June 24 had presented a case for the project and requested for additional financial support.
“The State government is thankful to the Finance Ministry for favourably considering the chief minister’s request and sanctioning the funds,” the press statement read.
Under the second phase of MITP, more than 300 km of double-lane climate resilient roads linking major growth centres like Shillong, Tura, Jowai and Dawki will be developed.
“Special emphasis will be laid on urban roads connecting New Shillong Administrative City and New Shillong Knowledge City, thereby transforming Shillong as a regional growth centre,” the statement added.
Additionally, a wide range of ancillary logistics infrastructure like, industrial parks, warehouses, agro-processing centers and markets shall be developed.
The statement said that collectively these assets are envisaged to accelerate the economic development and deeper penetration of economic activities to the remote areas, thereby developing comprehensive and seamless road connectivity throughout the State.
The first phase of MITP is being implemented with a support of Rs 880 crore from the World Bank.
Under the project, several critical roads like Bajengdoba-Resubelpara-Mendipathar-Damra road, Shillong-Diengpasoh road and Pasyih-Garampani road are being implemented.
The State government said that the successful implementation of the project has been commended by both the World Bank and the Finance Ministry.
MITP was formerly known as Meghalaya Economic Growth Accelerator (MEGA) Corridor project.
These interventions under MEGA Corridor project, combined with the ongoing projects like Shillong-Dawki corridor (NH 106 & 206), Tura-Dalu road (NH 217), Phulbari-Goeragre road (NH 127B), Dhubri-Phulbari bridge.
According to the government, this will unlock the potential of the State in transforming into a logistic hub and economic powerhouse of the region, envisioning a 10 billion dollar economy by 2028.
