Meghalaya govt cancels smart road projects under Shillong Smart City

Dhar informed that he had recently held a review meeting on the progress of all smart city projects.

In a significant decision, the Meghalaya government on Friday has cancelled implementation of the smart road project under the Shillong Smart City initiative, citing feasibility issues.

The announcement was made by Deputy Chief Minister and Urban Affairs Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar.
Dhar said, “The first phase of the smart road project has been cancelled and there was a meeting in presence of the Deputy Chief Minister incharge PWD (Roads) Prestone Tynsong and he himself was present and because there were difficulties in implementing the project that the state government decided to cancel it.”

“Only 3-4% works have been done,” Dhar added.

“In view of this, we already decided we will put a fresh estimate from the state plan. We will try to resurface all the city roads. It will be like a smart road from the state plan through the PWD department. So the Detailed Project Report (DPR) preparation is on the progress right now,” he further added.

Dhar further stated, “We have cancelled it as it is not feasible and that no land is available. The officers will make an incomplete financial bill for the unfinished smart road. Therefore, we have decided to resurface all important roads within the city.”

“Very little amount has been spent on the failed smart road project so far”, Dhar said.

Meanwhile, Dhar informed that he had recently held a review meeting on the progress of all smart city projects.

“Instead of smart roads, we thought it would be much better to resurface the major roads, which will be like smart roads. Why waste time if we can achieve similar results?” he said.

Dhar also mentioned that similar problems have arisen with smart road projects in other cities. Despite the cancellation of the smart road projects, Dhar highlighted that most other projects under the Shillong Smart City initiative are progressing well, with some set to be inaugurated by August-September this year.

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