The Meghalaya government has urged the Centre to declare eight State highways in the State as new National Highways.
The request was made to Union Transport Minister by Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma along with Deputy CM Prestone Tynsong and Transport Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar.
The Meghalaya delegation led by Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma met Union Transport Minister Gadkari in New Delhi on Tuesday.
During the meeting, they apprised Gadkari to consider declaring some important State highways as new National Highway, which include Umtyngar-Sohra-Mawlong-Ichamati-Bholaganj (76.50 km) and Nidanpur-Tikrikilla- Medhipara-Rongsai-Bajengdoba-Resubelpara-Damra (120 km).
The other state highways include Umsning-Mawhati-Jagi (79 km), Pasyih-Garampani road in Meghalaya upto Haflong in Assam (48 km), Weiloi-Mawsynram-Balat-Ranikor (75 km) and Mairang-Nongkhlaw-Patharkmah-Rani Godown road (80 km).
The two other State highways which the Meghalaya government wanted to be declared as NHs are Jowai-Nartiang-Kdiap-Khanduli road (60 km) and Tura-Dalu road- Chokpot to Sibbari (63 km).
During the meeting, the Meghalaya delegation also urged the Union Minister to release funds under CRF.
The State government also urged the Centre to declare roads approved “in principle” as new National Highways which include Dkhiah – Sutnga – Saipung – Moulsei (84 km) and Nongstoiñ – Maweit – Nongjri (75 km).
The three other roads are Assam-Meghalaya border – Bhoirymbong on Shillong bypass (18 km), Garobadha-Ampati-Zigzag-Mahendraganj (52 km), Mawngap-Mawkyrwat-Rangthong-Nongnah-Dirang-Khadphra (96km).
Gadkari assured of considering the proposal of the State government.
The Union Minister also suggested the Meghalaya government to initiate measures to submit proposal to start vehicle fitness centre as well as two driving schools in the backward region of the State.