Shillong, March 23: The government today approved Rs 6,721-crore projects in Meghalaya and Mizoram for development of 403 kms of National Highways.

“The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has given its approval for development of 403 kms of National Highways in Meghalaya and Mizoram,” a statement from the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways said after the CCEA meeting.

Out of the 403 km, approximately 52 kms will be in Meghalaya and 351 km in Mizoram.

The projects will be executed in EPC (engineering, procurement and construction) mode.

“The estimated cost is Rs 6,721 crore including cost of land acquisition, resettlement and other pre-construction activities,” the statement said.

The projects will be taken up for implementation during the financial year 2017-18. The civil works are expected to be completed by 2021 and maintenance works by 2025.

The projects will encourage sub-regional socio-economic development by improvement of infrastructure in Meghalaya and Mizoram, the statement said. They will also enhance the connectivity with inter-state roads and international borders, it added.

The work for development to two-lane standards are under the scheme ‘North East Road Network Connectivity Project Phase I’ with loan assistance of Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

The existing carriageway of all the stretches is varying between single lane and intermediate lane.

The statement said the condition of pavements is very poor and at some locations not in traffic worthy condition. In addition, the stretches are also in poor condition in landslides areas / sinking zones.