Shillong, Jun 15: The foundation stones for six National Highway projects in Meghalaya were dedicated to the nation today.
Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari unveiled a total investment of Rs 3,214 crore at a programme attended by Speaker of Meghalaya Assembly Thomas A Sangma, Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma, Deputy Chief Ministers Prestone Tynsong and Sniawbhalang Dhar, Tura MP Saleng A Sangma, state ministers, MLAs and senior officials.
Addressing the gathering, Gadkari said that Meghalaya, endowed with immense natural beauty, cultural diversity and economic potential, requires robust road infrastructure to unlock new opportunities for growth, tourism, trade and employment.
“National Highway projects worth approximately Rs 52,400 crore are currently under implementation in the state. Projects covering about 820km have already been completed, construction is underway on nearly 310km, while projects spanning around 450km are in various stages of planning and implementation,” he said.
Several landmark projects completed in recent years have significantly improved connectivity across Meghalaya. The Shillong–Nongstoin–Tura Trans Meghalaya Highway has reduced travel time between Shillong and Tura from nearly 12 hours to around 6 hours. The Jorabat–Umiam Four-Lane Road, Tura–Dalu Road, Jowai–Malidor Road and Ranikor–Baghmara Road have strengthened connectivity across the State and enhanced access to border areas.
As part of the ongoing efforts, six National Highway projects covering over 117km and costing more than Rs 3,214 crore were launched today.
Among the projects dedicated to the nation, Package-I of the Shillong–Dawki Road Project has been completed over a length of approximately 11km at a cost of Rs 351 crore. The project will improve connectivity between Shillong, Dawki and the India–Bangladesh border while strengthening tourism, trade and regional economic activity.
The Jowai Bypass Project, completed at a cost of Rs 106 crore over nearly 5km, has eased congestion in Jowai town and significantly improved road safety and travel efficiency.
Foundation stones were laid for four major National Highway projects. The Tura Bypass Project on NH-127B and NH-217 will be developed over about 29km at a cost of Rs 952 crore. The project will divert traffic away from densely populated areas of Tura, reduce congestion and facilitate faster and safer movement towards the international border near Dalu.
The Durgiri–Phulbari Bridge to Selsella–Simbukolgre (Package-I) section on NH-127B will be developed over approximately 32km at a cost of Rs 737 crore. Linked with the upcoming Dhubri–Phulbari Bridge over the Brahmaputra, the project will significantly strengthen connectivity in the West Garo Hills region and improve access to neighbouring states.
The Pynursla Bypass Project on NH-206 will be constructed over approximately 8km at a cost of Rs 564 crore. The bypass will decongest Pynursla town, improve travel efficiency and strengthen connectivity to Dawki, the Umngot River and the international border, thereby supporting tourism and cross-border trade.
Similarly, Package-II from Selsella–Simbukolgre to Koiragre will be developed over approximately 32km at a cost of Rs 504 crore. The project will further improve connectivity across West Garo Hills, facilitate freight movement and support regional economic growth.
Gadkari said that the Shillong–Dawki Corridor, currently under development, will substantially improve connectivity with Bangladesh through the Tamabil border, ease congestion in Upper Shillong, reduce travel time and strengthen strategic and economic linkages. He noted that these projects will provide a major boost to international trade and tourism in Dawki, Dalu and Sohra, while generating large-scale employment and self-employment opportunities.
