SHILLONG: The ambitious ‘High-Speed Corridor’ project connecting Umiam in Meghalaya to Barak Valley in Assam has faced a major setback as four villages in Meghalaya have refused to give up their land for the project.
Diengpasoh village, situated along the 27.5km to 30 km stretch of the proposed road, has firmly opposed the land acquisition for the project.
Moreover, three villages in West Jaintia Hills – Mawkyndor, Lad Mukhla, and Mukhla Mission – have also expressed their unwillingness to part with their land.
These villages are advocating for the upgrade of existing road infrastructure by the state government.
Estimated to cost over Rs 20,000 crore, the proposed corridor is designed to significantly improve transportation infrastructure in the region.
The National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) has emphasized the challenges in altering the corridor’s alignment.
According to the NHIDCL, any modification or alteration in the alignment could significantly impact the High-Speed Corridor project as it features a predominantly greenfield alignment.
The Detailed Project Report (DPR) is currently under preparation, with NHIDCL aiming to award the contract within the current financial year. However, this will depend on the state government in securing the necessary land for the project.
Spanning approximately 160 km, the corridor is envisioned to commence at Umiam, traversing Shillong Bypass, Mawryngkneng, and Ratacherra before culminating at Panchgram in Assam’s Cachar district.
The project promises to revolutionize transportation in the region by reducing travel time as well as improving connectivity between Assam and other Northeastern states.
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To expedite the land acquisition process, the state government has constituted District Level Committees to negotiate with landowners. However, officials revealed that the absence of formal revenue records for the land in question has hindered the government’s efforts.
The project’s success now depends on resolving land acquisition issues through ongoing negotiations with affected villages.
