Shillong, Dec 29: Construction of the four lane road from Umshyrpi to 7th Mile, Upper Shillong will start by early next year.

This was informed by Deputy Chief Minister in-charge Prestone Tynsong when asked about the status of the widening of the 95 km Shillong to Dawki-Tamabil road.

The road project is funded by Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA) at an estimated cost of Rs 1187.5 crore. Including land acquisition the total project cost is estimated at Rs 1377.5 crore.

The ambitious project is aimed at constructing a four-lane road from Umshyrpi to 7th Mile, Upper Shillong and from there a two-lane road to Dawki-Tamabil.

The project is divided into four packages which include Nongpdeng to Tamabil, Nongpdeng to Pynursla, Laitlyngkot, Mylliem and Umshyrpi which will go through the defence land.

When asked, Tynsong said, “The NHIDCL is going to start construction of the four lane road from Umshyrpi to 7th Mile may be early next year.”

He further informed that felling of trees is on at the reserve forest in Upper Shillong and construction work will also start very soon.