Gadkari dedicates 2 major highway projects in North East to nation

The projects considerably ease the travel from Guwahati towards Shillong and other parts of the North East.

These include Shillong Bypass and four laning of Jorabat-Barapani Section of NH-40.

The Shillong Bypass connects NH 40 and NH 44 (New NH 6) and will decongest the traffic in the city of Shillong from trucks and heavy vehicles coming from or moving towards North Eastern parts of Assam and other states-Mizoram and Tripura.

The 48.76 Km Bypass which begins from NH 40 at Umiam in Ri-Bhoi District and ends on NH 44 (new NH 6) at Mawryngkneng in East Khasi Hills District provides a pleasant and a safe driving experience. The bypass was constructed by NHAI on BOT (Annuity) mode.

Four laning of Jorabat-Barapani provides robust road connectivity between Guwahati and Shillong.

The NHAI had awarded this 61.80 km project on Design Build Finance Operate & Transfer Mode on Annuity basis.

The project stretch traverses mostly through the hilly terrain skirting the major urban areas like Byrnihat and Nongpoh.

The project work consists of 4-laning of the existing road including the construction of 1 Grade Separator, 1 Major Bridge, 13 Minor Bridges and more than 360 Cross Drainage Structures.

Speaking on the occasion, Gadkari said that the Centre is committed to the development of the North East.

He said that for speedy development of roads in the region, the states will have to facilitate early land acquisition and forest environment clearance.

Gadkari said Government will award Rs. 15000 Cr worth of projects to the North Eastern states this year.

He also highlighted the problem faced by the authorities in getting contractors for the projects.

Calling upon the local contractors to come forward, he said that the youth of the region should take advantage of the policies of the Government.

Gadkari said that a two-day work shop will be organized by NHIDCL for the youth of the North East to take up these contracts.

The Minister also emphasized upon the use of alternate fuel such as bio-diesel and ethanol.

He added that water as mode of transportation is priority of the Government.

He said that the decision of the Centre to have additional 101 Inland Waterways as National Waterways will greatly help the North Eastern region.

During the occasion, Minister of state for home, Kiren Rijiju said that Government is committed to develop the infrastructure in the North East. He said the policy of the Government is to transform the North East region.