Road projects worth Rs 3,214 cr highway projects launched in state
Shillong, June 15: National Highway projects worth approximately Rs 52,400 crore are currently under implementation in Meghalaya, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari said while the foundation stone and dedicating to the nation six National Highway projects involving a total investment of Rs 3,214 crore in Shillong on Monday.
“Projects covering about 820 kilometres have already been completed, construction is underway on nearly 310 kilometres, while projects spanning around 450 kilometres are in various stages of planning and implementation,” Gadkari said.
The programme was attended by Meghalaya Assembly Speaker Thomas A Sangma, Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma, Deputy Chief Ministers Prestone Tynsong and Sniawbhalang Dhar, Member of Parliament Saleng A Sangma, State Ministers, Members of the Legislative Assembly and senior officials.
Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma described the Northeast as a region entering a new phase of growth and opportunity.
“The opportunities that are no longer available in many developed states are available in the Northeast because those states have already crossed that phase of development,” he said.
Sangma noted that Meghalaya has witnessed strong economic growth in recent years, with the state’s budget doubling over the last eight years and capital expenditure increasing six-fold.
Praising Meghalaya’s immense natural beauty and cultural diversity, Gadkari said the state’s economic potential requires robust road infrastructure to unlock new opportunities for growth, tourism, trade and employment.
He noted that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Meghalaya is witnessing an unprecedented transformation in road connectivity.
Several landmark projects completed in recent years have significantly improved connectivity across Meghalaya. The Shillong–Nongstoin–Tura Trans Meghalaya Highway has reduced travel time between Shillong and Tura from nearly 12 hours to around 6 hours.
The Jorabat–Umiam Four-Lane Road, Tura–Dalu Road, Jowai–Malidor Road and Ranikor–Baghmara Road have strengthened connectivity across the State and enhanced access to border areas.
As part of the ongoing efforts, six National Highway projects covering over 117 kilometres and costing more than Rs 3,214 crore were launched on Monday.
Among the projects dedicated to the nation, Package-I of the Shillong–Dawki Road Project has been completed over a length of approximately 11 kilometres at a cost of Rs 351 crore.
The project will improve connectivity between Shillong, Dawki and the India–Bangladesh border while strengthening tourism, trade and regional economic activity.
The Jowai Bypass Project, completed at a cost of Rs 106 crore over nearly 5 kilometres, has eased congestion in Jowai town and significantly improved road safety and travel efficiency.
Foundation stones were laid for four major National Highway projects. The Tura Bypass Project on NH-127B and NH-217 will be developed over about 29 kilometres at a cost of Rs 952 crore.
The project will divert traffic away from densely populated areas of Tura, reduce congestion and facilitate faster and safer movement towards the international border near Dalu.
The Durgiri–Phulbari Bridge to Selsella–Simbukolgre (Package-I) section on NH-127B will be developed over approximately 32 kilometres at a cost of Rs 737 crore.
Linked with the upcoming Dhubri–Phulbari Bridge over the Brahmaputra, the project will significantly strengthen connectivity in the West Garo Hills region and improve access to neighbouring states.
The Pynursla Bypass Project on NH-206 will be constructed over approximately 8 kilometres at a cost of Rs 564 crore.
The bypass will decongest Pynursla town, improve travel efficiency and strengthen connectivity to Dawki, the Umngot River and the international border, thereby supporting tourism and cross-border trade.
Similarly, Package-II from Selsella–Simbukolgre to Koiragre will be developed over approximately 32 kilometres at a cost of Rs 504 crore. The project will further improve connectivity across West Garo Hills, facilitate freight movement and support regional economic growth.
Gadkari said the Shillong–Dawki Corridor, currently under development, will substantially improve connectivity with Bangladesh through the Tamabil border, ease congestion in Upper Shillong, reduce travel time and strengthen strategic and economic linkages.
He noted that these projects will provide a major boost to international trade and tourism in Dawki, Dalu and Sohra, while generating large-scale employment and self-employment opportunities.
He further stated that improved connectivity would enhance access to healthcare and emergency services in remote areas through better links to Shillong and Guwahati.
Gadkari reiterated the Government’s commitment to providing world-class highway infrastructure across Meghalaya and the entire North Eastern Region to ensure faster, smoother and safer transportation.
