Rs 434-cr NEC project on road connectivity

NEW DELHI, Jan 29 – As part of the 11th Plan Projects of the North Eastern Council (NEC), Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) has sanctioned road projects amounting Rs 434.23 crore spread across five states of Assam, Meghalaya, Sikkim, Manipur and Mizoram.

Official sources said that Minister DoNER, Bijoy Krishna Handique while sanctioning the projects said they would boost connectivity between the states, as well as connectivity within the states. The NEC is committed towards channelizing similar quantum of funds for improving the road sector in the region.

The projects include improvement of Jowai-Nartiang – Khanduli – Biathanlangsu Road at an estimated cost of Rs. 138.36 crore, which proposes to link Assam and Meghalaya. The Assam portion is 59.55 Km at an estimated cost of Rs.71 crore and the Meghalaya portion is 54.80 Km at an estimated cost of Rs.67.36 crore.

Construction and improvement of Simchuthang – Pabong – Yangyang Road in Sikkim at an estimated cost of Rs.62.84 crore, improvement of Kangokpi – Tamei Road in Manipur at an estimated cost of Rs.87 crore. Upgradation of Sherkha- Bhagabazar Road at an estimated cost of Rs. 146.03 crore and length 115.20 Km. The targeted date of completion of all the projects is 2013- 2014.

The expenditure for the projects would be met from Plan Funds of NEC to the extent of 90 per cent of the approved cost and 10 per cent would be borne by respective State Governments.