Meghalaya Scraps Costly 4-Laning of Umiam-Shillong Road, Opts for Expansion by 10 Kms
First Published: 24th June, 2025 13:42 IST
The revised plan is aimed at enhancing connectivity between Umiam and Shillong while staying within realistic budget limits
Meghalaya’s Deputy Chief Minister in-charge of PWD (Roads), Prestone Tynsong said the state government has scrapped the proposed four-laning of the Umiam-Shillong road after determining that the cost of constructing an elevated road was prohibitively high. While the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) had initiated surveys and groundwork, the plan was dropped following a meeting with NHIDCL officials in Delhi, where preliminary reports revealed unsustainable expenses.
“NHIDCL had started the shovelling to four-lane the existing 2-lane Umiam-Shillong road but after my recent meeting with NHIDCL and as per the preliminary report, we have seen that it is not feseable to go for the elevated road becaue the cost is too much, it is beyond the expectation so after our meeting with NHIDCL we decided to abandon the idea. Now we will widen the road by 10 kms,” DCM Tynsong told reporters in Shillong.
DCM Tynsong also reviewed the progress of several other crucial road projects, including the four-laning of the Shillong-Dawki road and the Shillong Western Bypass. These projects, implemented by NHIDCL, are central to improving connectivity in and around Shillong city.
Tynsong expressed satisfaction with the Shillong-Dawki road project, noting that work is advancing well despite the ongoing challenges posed by the monsoon rains. He remained confident that NHIDCL will meet its 2026 completion deadline as stipulated in the contract.
“Instructions have been given to speed up the work on the Shillong-Dawki road, I have seen, the work is in progress and NHIDCL will be able to meet the completion deadline of December 2026,” DCM Tynsong said.
Regarding the Western Bypass, the DCM said that there are a few issues like people who have given the land claiming that they have not got proper compensation. “Directions have been given to the District Commissioners to resolve the issue and make sure work does not suffer. Proper paper work has to be done while compensating the people for their land taken for the road.”
Regarding the proposed high speed corridor from Umiam to the Assam border, Tynsong said surveys are nearly complete in all four districts involved – Ri-Bhoi, East Khasi Hills, West Jaintia Hills and East Jaintia Hills.
Also Read: Meghalaya’s Youngest Everester Rifiness Warjri Returns Home to a Hero’s Welcome
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