Department of Information and Public Relations

Press Release No. 244/15

UNION MINISTER DEDICATES TO THE NATION THE SHILLONG BYPASS AND 4 LANING JORABAD BARAPANI SECTION

Shillong, May 1, 2015: The Union Minister of Road, Transport, Highway and Shipping, Shri Nitin Jairam Gadkari today dedicates to the nation the much awaited Shillong Bypass project and 4-laning Jorabad-Barapani Section at a grand function held at Umeit, Ri Bhoi District.

The dedication ceremony was witnessed by the Deputy Chief Minister of Meghalaya, Shri. Rowell Lyngdoh, Union Minister of State for Home Affairs, Shri. Kiren Rijiju, Meghalaya Minister of Urban Affairs, Dr. Ampareen Lyngdoh, Meghalaya PWD Minister, Shri. Sniawbhalang Dhar, Umroi constituency MLA, Shri. Ngaitlang Dhar, State Chief Secretary, Shri. P B O Warjri, Deputy Commissioner, Ri Bhoi District, Smti. Pooja Pandey, officials from the Ministry of Road, Transport and Highway (MoRTH) and National Highway Authority of India (NHAI).

It may be mentioned that the 61.8 Kms 4-laning of Jorabad-Barapani Section of NH-40 commenced on January 12, 2011at a sanctioned amount of Rs. 536 crores. Of the total length, 55.98 Kms has been completed till date. The 48.766 Kms 2-laning of Shillong Bypass connecting NH-40 in Ri-Bhoi District and NH-44 at Mawryngkneng in East Khasi Hills District commenced on February 7, 2011 with a total expenditure of Rs. 253.32 crores incurred upto May 31, 2013.

The Union Minister also announced, in the course of his address, that the construction of the 103 Kms Jowai-Ratacherra Road sanctioned at the cost of Rs. 630 crores will commence within 3 months.

Stating that road connectivity is essential for development of North Eastern Region given the topographical scenario of the region, the Union Minister said that the Government of India is focusing on developing road projects for the region and spelt out a number of road projects to be initiated in the current financial year. The Union Minister also said that his Ministry is considering constructing cement concrete roads which has lasting shelf life than bitumen road and for this, 107 cement plants from 37 companies have signed an agreement to provide cements at an affordable rate and called upon the Government of Meghalaya to consider this proposal to reduce the cost incurred in constructing road projects.

The Union Minister also said that the Government of India is committed to assist the State Government in developing State Highways and for this, the State Government should shoulder the responsibility of land acquisition and forest environment clearance, he said. Besides, he also stressed on the accountability and transparency while framing Detailed Project Report (DPR) so that projects could be executed without hindrance from any quarters.

The Union Minister of State for Home Affairs, Shri Kiren Rijiju, in his address said that during the last few months the North Eastern Region has witnessed a tremendous change in road development due to the commitment of the Government of India to implement various programmes in the region. Apart from inter-state roads, national highways, Shri Rijiju also said that the road connectivity of the region with neighbouring countries will be realized in a few years. He also said that proper support is needed from the Central Government to transform the region into a commercial hub. Others who spoke on the occasion were the Deputy Chief Minister, Meghalaya, Shri. Rowell Lyngdoh, member NHAI, Shri M P Sharma who delivered the welcome address and CGM, NHAI, Shri. Mahavir Singh who offered the vote of thanks.