SHILLONG, JULY 12: The state government has cancelled implementation of the ‘smart road’ project after it was found to be ‘not feasible’. Accordingly, a fresh proposal is now being prepared to resurface all important city roads instead of constructing a smart road.

The smart road, which is lying incomplete at Lachumiere area, is one among the 17 Smart City projects being implemented in the state.

“The first phase of the smart road project has been cancelled. We already had a meeting in presence of the deputy chief minister incharge PWD (Roads) and I because we faced so much difficulty (in implementing the project). Therefore, we have cancelled it. Only 3-4% works have been done,” deputy chief minister incharge urban affairs Sniawbhalang Dhar told reporters on Friday.

“In view of this, we already decided we will put a fresh estimate from the state plan. We will try to resurface all the city roads. It will be like a smart road from the state plan through the PWD department. So the DPR preparation is on the progress right now,” he said.

Asked, Dhar informed, “We have cancelled it as it is not feasible and that no land is available…The officers will make an incomplete financial bill (following this decision). Therefore, we have decided to resurface all important roads within the city.” According to him, very little amount has been spent on the failed smart road project.

Meanwhile, Dhar informed that he had recently held a review meeting on the progress of all smart city projects.

“Few projects may be inaugurated in the months of August and September. As per report, all projects are in good progress. So hopefully I think it will be very helpful for people, for example, when the Polo markets, Laitumkhrah market, ICCC are ready. Presently around both smart city and from the state plan also around 12-13 parkings are under progress right now. We are monitoring and my officers are on the job to ensure that the projects are completed within stipulated time,” he said.

Whether the ongoing unauthorized checks against migrant labourers have hampered ongoing projects under his department, Dhar however said, “As of now, I did not receive any reports. If there is disruption obviously there will be but I request all the NGO friends to work with the government. Obviously, there may be lapses here and there in terms of documents, this and that but we need —so that the state progresses forward. Presently, from my side as urban minister and as deputy chief minister I request all NGO friends to let us work together with the government hand in hand so that we can bring the state forward. “

“Local labour is always there and there are some types of work, which labourers cannot do. We request them to let us work together. We always request all contractors or agencies to ensure documents are in order. Yes, if there are any lapses here and there, we should not upto the extent as we need progress of work from all angles,” he added.

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