Department of Information and Public Relations

Press Release No. 270/10

DR. MUKUL MEETS UNION MINISTER FOR ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS

Shillong, June 21, 2010: The Chief Minster of Meghalaya, Dr.Mukul Sangma met the Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Shri Kamal Nath on the 21st June 2010 in New Delhi.The meeting was very cordial and fruitful, wherein the Chief Minister discussed issues relating to various projects to be implemented in the State on priority basis.

The Chief Minister stressed the need to expeditiously complete the implementation of the Shillong Bye-Pass and the improvement and up-gradation of the NH-62. He also requested for maintaining uniform pavement weight all along the NH-51, the paved shoulder on Meghalaya to be provided and necessary instructions to be given to the State P.W.D. cost estimates for the whole stretch of NH-51. The four laning of Shillong-Guwahati Road (NH-40, length 60 kms) for which necessary steps have been taken for completion of land acquisition by the State need to be expeditiously implemented in view of the traffic intensity on the road being the main road connecting States like Mizoram, Tripura, Barak valley of Assam and Manipur.

Shillong-Nongstoin-Rongjeng-Tura Road (length 256 kms) under the SARDP-NE, which has been projected in four different stretches, is required to be taken up expeditiously in view of the Socio-economic importance of this vital road which connects the Garo Hills region of the State with the State Capital. Further, the project is required to be entrusted to the State, P.W.D. for implementation as it is a felt need to involve local contractors / builders which will enable the State to further build up the capacity of competent contractors of the region. The NH-44 from Shillong to Tripura via Badarpur (Assam) is a continuity of NH-40 connecting Guwahati. This vital road connects the Barak Valley (Assam), Manipur, Tripura and Mizoram. The Chief Minster apprised the Union Minister on the Socio-political and economic importance of this road in view of the number of States that are connected and the Look-East Policy of the Government of India and the Policy under SARDP-NE for connecting all the States capitals with four lane roads. The four lanes of this important road may be taken up on a priority basis in the best interests of the Region.

The NH-37 which passes via Agiya in Assam needs to be extended upto Tura, West Garo Hills via Tikrikilla, Phulbari as an Extension of NH-37. The Chief Minister informed the Union Minister that Garo Hills Region have been frequently subjected to almost economic blockade like conditions by too many bandhs, road blockades resorted to by various organizations in Assam who are demanding autonomy. This road can act as an alternative route, and therefore, it is critical that the extension is approved expeditiously.

Under ADB Funded North Eastern State Roads Investment Programme, Tranche I ( Garobadha-Dalu Road : 93.4 km), Tranche III ( Mawgap-Umpung Road : 76.2 km), Tranche III ( Mawsynrut-Hahim Road : 36.8 km) have been in the pipeline since the year 2004. The State Government has taken necessary advance steps for implementation. The Chief Minister requested the Union Minister to take up this issue on priority basis and also to consider the stretch between Umpung to Baghmara via Maheskhola (length 170 km) which will connect the NH-62. This road has immense socio-political and economic importance as the area is rich in minerals, agro-horticultural products apart from being connected with the Land Custom Stations.

The Union Minister for Road and Surface Transport assured to provide necessary cooperation and continuous support to the State of Meghalaya.