SHILLONG: The Union ministry for development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) has approved road projects worth Rs 434.23 crore spanning Assam, Meghalaya, Sikkim, Manipur and Mizoram as part of the ongoing 11th Plan Projects of the North Eastern Council (NEC).
Quoting Union DoNER minister Bijoy Krishna Handique, an official release here said the projects would boost connectivity between and within the states. "The NEC is committed towards channelizing similar quantum of funds for improving roads in the region," a statement from DoNER read.
The projects include improvement of the Jowai-Nartiang Khanduli Biathanlangsu road, linking Assam and Meghalaya at an estimated cost of Rs 138.36 crores. The stretch in Assam measures 59.55 km and would be built at an estimated cost of Rs 71 crore and the 54.80 km-stretch in Meghalaya is estimated to cost Rs 67.36 crore. The project is expected to be complete by March, 2014.
Other projects include construction and improvement of the 23 km Simchuthang Pabong Yangyang road in Sikkim at an estimated cost of Rs 62.84 crore. The project is expected to be complete by March, 2013. Again, improvement of the Kangokpi Tamei road in Manipur will be done at an estimated cost of Rs. 87 crores and the stretch is to be made functional by March, 2013.
Upgrade of the 115.20 km Sherkhan Bhagabazar road will be carried out at an estimated cost of Rs 146.03 crore and will be completed by March 2014.
"The expenditure for the projects would be met from plan funds of NEC to the extent of 90% of the approved cost and 10% would be borne by the respective state governments. The projects will be implemented by the public works departments (PWDs) of the respective state governments," the statement added.