SHILLONG, OCT 27: The state government is optimism to resolve the hurdles pertaining to land acquisition for paving way for implementation of the Rs 1251 crore ambitious project to widen the 71.5 km road from Shillong to Dawki.
The project to be fully funded by the Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA) will also include the construction of the Dawki Bridge over the Umngot River.
A high level meeting was convened by the state PWD Minister Martin M Danggo with PHE Minister Prestone Tynsong, Urban Minister Ronnie V Lyngdoh and officials of NHIDCL and JICA representative to discuss on the project here.
Addressing newsmen after the meeting, Danggo said, “With the cooperation of the ministers, who are local representatives from the areas, the issue related to land acquisition for the project will soon be resolved.”
He also informed that the defence authority this time has also expressed their willingness to part with their land for the implementation of this project.
The defence authority willingness came after preliminary discussion held between 101 Area, Airforce and the officials of the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL).
“The defence people are quite positive and are ready to cooperate as they had only ask how much land we required for the project,” Danggo said.
The project is aimed at constructing a four-lane road from Umshyrpi to Upper Shillong and from Mylliem a two-lane road to Dawki-Tamabil.
“We will also construct a flyover bridge at Umshyrpi,” the minister said while also announcing the good news about the KHADC agreeing to issue the no objection certificate (NOC) for the project.
Further, Danggo informed that one of the most unique bridge will be constructed over the Umngot River, once completed will replace the single-lane British era suspension bridge that was built in 1932.
NHIDCL officials also added that the new Dawki Bridge, which is 368 meter length and 12.5 meter width, will be constructed over the old bridge.
PWD minister said, “This is a big project and the construction of the project will only start after land acquisition process and preparation of detailed project report (DPR) is completed.”
Stating that project once started is targeted to be completed within 3 years, he however said but the implementation part may take time keeping in mind that forest clearance is also mandatory.
Meanwhile contrary to the minister’s statement, Nakamura Jun, who is part of the JICA study team, said that the JICA is yet to decide on the matter whether it would feasible for funding.
“Pending the study report, the JICA is yet to decide on this,” Jun said, while informing that the matter will be decided based on the report he is going to submit before the JICA.
Jun for the past three months has been in the state for conducting social environmental survey.
Meanwhile, the environment and social impact assessment is being entrusted to Naba Bhattacharjee.-By Our Reporter
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