Centre to invest 90,000 cr for development of roads in NE: Modi

SHILLONG, DEC 16: Prime Minister Narendra Modi today inaugurated the 261 kilometers Shillong-Nongstoin-Rongjeng-Tura two-lane road during his visit to the state’s capital here to address the launching of the BJP’s election campaign in poll-bound Meghalaya.

“I am very happy today to have inaugurated the 261 km long Shillong-Nongstoin section of the National Highway 106 and the Nongstoin – Rongjeng section of National Highway 127B,” Modi said while addressing the party’s rally for change held on Saturday.

According to him, the road will boost economic activity and establish a direct link between the important towns of the state – Shillong and Tura.

The Prime Minister also informed that over 1200 km was constructed at an expenditure of nearly Rs 14,000 crore during the last three years only.

“In Meghalaya, 80 km of National Highway has been constructed by the Centre in the last three years and works is in progress for an additional 200 km length of the National Highway 40 and 44,” he said.

He also said the National Highway Infrastructure Development Corporation will take up road construction of 400 km length in Meghalaya at a cost of Rs 5700 crore.

Stating that his government’s motto is “transformation by transporation”, Modi said over the next 2-3 years, an investment of about Rs 60,000 crore is proposed under the Special Accelerated Road Development Project (SARDP) in North East.

“An investment of Rs 30,000 crore under Bharatmala is proposed for development of National Highways in NE states,” he said while informing that across the NE, the union government has sanctioned around 4,000 km of NHs for an amount of Rs 32,000 crore.

Pledging to make Meghalaya a top-tourism destination in the country, Modi also announced Rs 100 crore for development of tourism in the state.

“During my last visit to Meghalaya in May 2016, I spoke about the promotion of tourism in the State. We want to make Meghalaya a top tourism destination. The Government of India has sanctioned around Rs 100 crore for development of tourist destinations in the State,” he said.

Further, the Prime Minister also said that the state is also going to celebrate its 50th year of statehood while at the same time host the National Games 2022.

“In 2022, the nation will complete 75 years of Independence. This will also be the year when Meghalaya will complete 50 years of constitution. Seventy five years of Independence, 50 years of constitution and a National Games – This is an excellent opportunity for state to make new oaths,” he said.

Meanwhile, Modi further informed that the government is executing 15 new rail lines for nearly 14000 km length at a cost of about Rs 47,000 crore and boost infrastructure in the North-East region.

He also said sea planes could be an option for improving connectivity in the North East region.

Also stating that bigger planes like Boeing 737 and Airbus 320 should land in Shillong airport soon after the approval for its extension, Modi said, “The Union Government has given its approval for runway expansion of Shillong airport and we will spend Rs 180 crores in this regard and the project should be completed within one and half years.”

According to him, the state also stands to benefit from UDAN scheme under which Shillong will be connected with other cities in the region by air.

The Prime Minister also lamented that even after 70 years of Independence, four crores households in the country are yet to have electricity.

He informed that 19,000 families in Meghalaya have availed the Pradhan Mantri   Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY).

By Our Reporter