Shillong, Aug 9: The Ministry of Finance has approved Rs 2,000 crore for developing roads and logistics infrastructure under the second phase of the Meghalaya Integrated Transport Project (MITP), formally known as Meghalaya Economic Growth Accelerator (MEGA) Corridor project.
The new sanction is an outcome of the successful implementation of the first phase of the MITP.
In a meeting with Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on June 24, Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma had presented a case for the project and requested for additional financial support.
The first phase of MITP is being implemented with the support of Rs 880 crore from the World Bank. Under the project, several critical roads like Baejendoba-Resubelpara-Mendipathar-Damra, Shillong–Diengpasoh, and Pasyih–Garampani are being implemented. The implementation of the project has been commended by both the World Bank and the Ministry of Finance.
Under the second phase of the MITP (MEGA Corridor) project, more than 300 km of double-lane climate-resilient roads linking major growth centres like Shillong, Tura, Jowai and Dawki will be developed.
Special emphasis will be laid on urban roads connecting New Shillong Administrative City and New Shillong Knowledge City, thereby transforming Shillong into a regional growth centre.
Additionally, a wide range of ancillary logistics infrastructure like, industrial parks, warehouses, agro-processing centres and markets shall be developed.
“Collectively these assets are envisaged to accelerate the economic development and deeper penetration of economic activities to the remote areas, thereby developing a comprehensive and seamless road connectivity throughout the State,” Commissioner and Secretary, Planning, Investment Promotion & Sustainable Development department, said in an official release here.
These interventions under MEGA Corridor project, combined with the ongoing projects like Shillong Dawki Corridor (NH 106 & 206), Tura Dalu Road (NH 217), Phulbari to Goeragre Road (NH 127B), Dhubro-Phulbari bridge will unlock potential of the state in transforming into a Logistic hub and economic powerhouse of region, envisioning a USD 10 billion economy by 2028.
