SHILLONG, MAR 3: Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma laid the foundation for the upgradation and improvement of the parallel road to the existing Dalu-Baghmara road at Dalu, West Garo Hills, on Wednesday.
Spanning across 20.853 Kms, the total cost of the project funded under the Meghalaya Integrated Transport Project (MITP) is Rs 43,45,27,900 with 36 months kept as the target of completion from the start date. The scope of work also includes the construction of 5 RCC bridges.
Tagging it as a “long-awaited project”, the Chief Minister stated that it will be fulfilled yet again by the MDA Government.
Touching on the importance of the project, the Chief Minister said that the Dalu to Baghmara Border parallel road was neglected for many years and the project will be a boon to people of the Dalu-Baghmara border areas. ‘It is a very crucial road for the people of the area, especially for trade and businesses to flourish’, he added.
Regarding the funds for the project, the Chief Minister said, “The World Bank-funded Meghalaya Integrated Transport Project amount for the entire State is 1100 Cr out of which 43 Cr has been sanctioned for the project”.
On the socio-development aspect, the Chief Minister commented, “This road is crucial for international trade and commerce and will connect 2 districts- West Garo Hills and South Garo Hills Districts in Meghalaya. This will greatly impact the socio-economic development of the region, which is rich in agricultural and horticultural produce, which is being supplied across the State and other States by the villagers and farmers on foot. We also hope that through this project, the youth will be encouraged to become entrepreneurs in the agri and horti sector”.
Responding to the criticisms about the MDA Government, the Chief Minister said, “There is talk among the people that the MDA Government just lays foundation stones and fails to complete the projects. I want to reassure the people of Dalu and Baghmara that the MDA Government and the NPP Government are not here to dupe you. We are here to fulfill the promises made to the people”.
Speaking on the Government’s vision for Garo Hills, the Chief Minister added, “The Government has plans to operationalise the Baljek airport. If not anything else at least the flight services from Tura to Shillong will be operationalised by 2022 to coincide with the 50 years celebration of Meghalaya’s Statehood. In the coming two years we have many other developmental projects lined up for Garo Hills and the entire State as a whole”.
It may be mentioned that the road starts from NH 217 at Dalu Chaipani, ending at Baghmara with a total length of 31 km (up to Sibbari) under Barengapara Division. This road runs along the International Border with Bangladesh and connects important villages like Chaipani and Baburambil in West Garo Hills and Jatrakona, Sempara, Lower Gasuapara, Angratuli, Khondok, Fakirkona, Dumnikura, Ramchenga, Kapasipara, Dipliparara and Sibbari in South Garo Hills. This road is also used by the BSF for their daily patrolling along the Indo-Bangla border. The export of coal to Bangladesh is done through Gasuapara Land Custom Station and coal depots are on the 11th and 13th Kms of this road.
This road project was demanded by the people of both the districts for many years and will finally see the light of day.
By Our Reporter
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