Shillong, Jan 19: The state Cabinet on Wednesday approved the adoption of the National Highways Act for land acquisition and construction of National Highways (NH) in the state.

Informing this after the meeting, Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma said the decision was taken based on the request of the Central government.

According to him, the National Highways Act will be applicable only for national highway projects while for other projects, the normal land acquisition will be applicable.

Sangma further stated that with the approval of the land acquisition to be done under the NH Act, it reduces the time for land acquisition from three years down to one year.

“It is a huge advantage and obviously will ensure the projects are completed much faster,” he said.