PTI
SHILLONG, FEBRUARY 20
Meghalaya government has sought Rs 1653 crore from the Centre to improve road connectivity with neighbouring state and to develop roads of economic importance, Chief Minister Mukul Sangma said.
The Chief Minister has also sought special relief from Union Minister of Road Transport Nitin Gadkari wherein funding for these road projects would be followed in a 90:10 funding pattern and not the usual 50:50 share in the absence of any viable rail connectivity.
"We have sought Central funding for important roads in the state connecting with neighbouring state and also roads of economic importance which would improve livelihood to the people," Mukul told PTI.He said Rs 680.83 crore was required for improving at least 227.2 km length of road connecting with neighbouring Assam in the Garo Hills region and in Ri-Bhoi area which are also roads of economic importance.
Another Rs 973 crore has been placed for the Centre’s nod to improve upon the two-lane roads connecting 139 km of district headquarters in the state. Often, the chief minister said, existing narrow roads kutcha roads were being exploited by militants in ambushing security forces and recently there were three such instances.
While there was no rail network in the state, Mukul said the state has failed to avail the benefits of the two important road schemes due to a 50:50 funding pattern since there was not enough allocation.
According to the Chief Minister, the Centre has agreed to provide 100 per cent funding for important road projects which are of economic importance and that links to other state. Calling on the Union Minister yesterday at Delhi, Union Minister of Road Transport was quoted as appreciating the Chief Minister and asked the state government to expedite land acquisition process in order to implement the projects at the earliest time.
