Shillong, March 16: Chief Minister Conrad Sangma on Tuesday said the government expects to complete Phase I of the Meghalaya Integrated Transport Project in four years.

CM Conrad also stated that project funds will be implemented in two phases of USD 150 million each.

While referring to the several important externally aided projects being implemented in the state, Chief Minister Conrad Sangma said, “ These externally aided projects are essential especially when the State is facing financial difficulties…..I would like to also say that the investments being made under the Meghalaya Integrated Transport Project will be the catalyst for the economic development of the State by providing connectivity to key centres of trade and will improve access to health care, education, tourism, etc.”

The Chief Minister said, “Though the project timeframe is 6 years, we expect to complete Phase I of the project in 4 years as the project is being implemented expeditiously…. This will also enable the State Government to request the Department of Economic Affairs and the World Bank for giving us additional USD 150 million under Phase II”.

Giving in details about various projects being implemented in the state, Chief Minister stated that surveys of critical road stretches are ongoing. He also informed that policy measures with road expansion projects will be necessary to not only ease traffic congestion but to also regulate the overall number of vehicles that have since doubled in the State. Mechanized parking lots with automatic systems are also being conceptualized under the Smart City project, he added.

Replying to a short duration discussion initiated by Umroi MLA George B. Lyngdoh on the Government’s plans funded by the World Bank to improve the transport sector in the State, CM said, “DPR of road projects for the promotion of tourism including trekking paths and bridges amounting to about 60 crore completed. Procurement of supervision consultant completed and is expected to be onboarded by end of March 2021.”

Further, he informed that the draft Transport Sector Modernization Plan (ISMP) ready and the Consultant for the Integrated Transport Network Development Plan (ITNDP) onboarded.
Giving details of the action plan, Sangma said, “Urban mobility study for Shillong being carried out. The draft Road Safety Action Plan being finalised. The TOR for Road Asset Management System and Enhancing Mobility is finalized and approved by the World Bank, two management consultants hired from National Institute of Smart Government (NISG).”

“Four engineers are also involved full-time basis with the project. Hiring for one transport expert, one environment and social expert and two program associates under progress. CRRI has been hired to complete ITNDP study,” he added saying that the draft TSMP is ready with PWD. Presently, one of the components of the Centre of Excellence has been identified as Road Research Laboratory of the Public Works Department.