Although the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has sanctioned six new major road projects for Meghalaya, the State government is still in the process of preparation of detailed project reports (DPRs) for these projects.
On November 9, Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari during an official meeting in Guwahati had announced new sanctioned road projects worth Rs.1.6 lakh crore for the eight states of the North East. These include six new road projects for Meghalaya.
During hearing of a PIL in the Meghalaya High Court on February 10, the State government stated that DPRs for these projects are being prepared while two are under review.
The DPR for Shillong – Western Bypass having a road length of 38 km is being prepared. The Centre has sanctioned Rs 2205 crore for this project.
The DPRs for three road projects in Garo Hills are under progress.
These include the Rs 1827 crore Paikan – Tura road project (56 km), Rs 740 crore Phulbari – Tura road project (63 km) and Rs 150 crore Dudhnoi – Rongjeng – Baghmara – Dalu road project.
The DPRs for two major road projects are however under review.
These include the Mawlyngkhung – Mawryngkneng (Shillong Eastern Bypass) -West Jaintia Hills & Jowai Bypass with a road length of 75 km. The Centre has sanctioned Rs 4100 crore for this project.
Another road project whose DPR is under review is the Dainadubi-Darugre-Williamnagar (80 km) which the Centre has sanctioned Rs 4350 crore for its construction.
The High Court has expressed hope that sufficient progress is made in the highways to be funded by the Centre.
“The status pertaining to the construction, maintenance and enhanced facilities should be indicated when the matter appears next six weeks hence. A firm stand on the proposed projects should be indicated on the returnable date,” the court said while listing the matter for hearing on March 24.
