Meghalaya transport project nears finish line, World Bank flags major gains

Shillong, July 4: Meghalaya’s ambitious World Bank-funded transport project is entering its final stretch, with most road works completed and the remaining package nearing completion, while the state has already surpassed several key targets on road connectivity, travel time reduction and road maintenance.

The objective of the project is improve transport connectivity and efficiency in project districts and to modernize transport sector management in Meghalaya.

According to the latest World Bank Implementation Status Report, the Meghalaya Integrated Transport Project (MITP) is progressing steadily and is expected to be completed before its October 31, 2026 deadline. Only one civil works package remains under execution, with around 85 per cent physical progress achieved. The project was approved in 2020.

The report says the project has improved 316.65 km of last-mile connectivity and urban mobility, well above the original target of 200 km. Travel time on project corridors has also been reduced by 39.06 per cent, more than double the target, while the share of roads in good or fair condition has increased to 64.5 per cent.

A major highlight has been the expansion of performance-based road maintenance. Meghalaya now has 2,193 km of roads under maintenance contracts, more than twice the project’s target of 1,000 km.

Beyond road construction, the project has also strengthened transport planning. The state has adopted an Integrated Transport Network Development Plan, established a Road Research Laboratory as a Centre of Excellence, and prepared a Transport Sector Vision 2030 and Financing Plan. Urban mobility plans have also been completed for Shillong and Tura.

The World Bank noted that the project’s overall implementation remains “Moderately Satisfactory”, while the overall risk rating has improved from “Substantial” to “Moderate”, reflecting progress in implementation.

However, some activities are still pending, including the construction of climate-resilient bridges, preparation of a climate resilience and green growth strategy, and final approval of the Transport Sector Modernisation Plan before the project closes later this year.

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