Shillong, Mar 4: Deputy Chief Minister, in-charge PWD (Roads) today informed the House that the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the 4-lane road from Umiam (Barapani) to Shillong is under preparation by the National Highway Infrastructure Development Council (NHIDCL).

Replying during the Question Hour in the House, Tynsong said the DPR and land survey have been handed over to NHIDCL by the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways and the appointment of consultants has been decided in November 2024.

“The consultants have started work and I am sure that the DPR will be prepared soon,” the Deputy Chief Minister said, replying to a question by Amlarem legislator Lahkmen Rymbui.

He added that this road will ensure income generation and reduce the suffering of the people.

Rymbui, requested the government to reconsider the decision to set a height limit of 2.80 meters, and vehicles carrying less than 9 metric tonnes are allowed to pass through the Umiam Bridge.

Rymbui also urged the government to take action on the increase in the price of goods which has affected the people as goods vehicles have to travel 80km to reach Shillong instead of 20km through the Umiam Bridge.

Tynsong explained that the height limit had been imposed to prevent any untoward incident on this bridge.

He also informed the house that the 23-km VIP road connecting Umroi Airport will be completed by the end of this year.

The Deputy Chief Minister said that once completed, heavy trucks can pass through this road to Shillong.

Similarly, Tynsong said that the road from Mawdiangdiang connecting the Shillong bypass, although the distance is longer, people can use it to avoid passing through the Umiam Bridge.

He also informed that a 4-lane road starting from ICAR passes through MeECL land and goes down to the Industrial Estate below the existing Umiam Bridge the land survey will reach Marten and end near Umshyrpi Bridge.