SHILLONG: The central government has sanctioned Rs 24,000 crore for the construction of a four-lane road from Umiam in Meghalaya to Silchar in Assam via East Jaintia Hills district.
This was informed by Meghalaya deputy chief minister Prestone Tynsong, who also heads the state’s public works department (PWD).
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Meghalaya deputy chief minister Prestone Tynsong stated that this new four-lane road will replace the current national highway-6, which is in a poor condition along various stretches in East Jaintia Hills district.
This project aims to enhance road connectivity between Meghalaya and other Northeast states, including Assam, Tripura and Mizoram.
The Meghalaya deputy chief minister said that the four-lane road will simplify travel from Meghalaya to Silchar in Assam, Mizoram and Tripura, and will also establish a crucial link to Guwahati in Assam.
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Out of the total approved amount, Rs 12,000 crore, including compensation for landowners, has been allocated for the construction of a 100-km stretch of road between Umiam and Malidor, located at the Meghalaya-Assam border.
The remaining Rs 12,000 crore will be utilized for constructing the continuation of the four-lane road in neighbouring Assam.
Additionally, Tynsong informed that union minister of road transport and highways, Nitin Gadkari, approved Rs 290 crores on June 24 for the repairs and improvements of NH-6 from Lumshnong to Malidor in the East Jaintia Hills district of Meghalaya.
Gadkari had a meeting with Meghalaya chief minister Conrad Sangma in New Delhi on July 24, where they discussed ongoing development works in Meghalaya, including urgent repair and maintenance of the NH-6 stretch from Jowai to Ratacherra.