Centre approves Rs 2000 crore for developing MEGA corridor project in Meghalaya

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaAugust 9, 2024

The Ministry of Finance, Government of India has approved Rs 2,000 crores for developing roads and logistics infrastructure under the Second Phase of the Meghalaya Integrated Transport Project (MITP), formally known as Meghalaya Economic Growth Accelerator (MEGA) Corridor project.

The new sanction is an outcome of the successful implementation of the First Phase of the MITP.  

Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma, in a meeting with  Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on June 24, 2024, presented a case for the project and requested for additional financial support. 

In a statement, the State Government has thanked the Ministry for favorably considering the Chief Minister’s request and sanctioning the funds. 

The First Phase of MITP is being implemented with a support of INR 880 crores from the World Bank. Under the project several critical roads like Baejendoba-Resubelpara-Mendipathar-Damra, Shillong–Diengpasoh and Pasyih–Garampani are being implemented. The successful implementation of the project has been commended by both the World Bank and the Ministry of Finance, Commissioner and Secretary Planning, Investment Promotion & Sustainable Development Department said.

Under the Second Phase of MITP (MEGA Corridor) project, more than 300 Km of double-lane climate resilient roads linking major growth centers like Shillong, Tura, Jowai and Dawki will be developed. Special emphasis will be laid on urban roads connecting New Shillong Administrative City and New Shillong Knowledge City, thereby transforming Shillong as regional growth centre, he said.

Additionally, a wide range of ancillary logistics infrastructure like, industrial parks, warehouses, agro-processing centers and markets shall be developed. Collectively these assets are envisaged to accelerate the economic development and deeper penetration of economic activities to the remote areas, thereby developing a comprehensive and seamless road connectivity throughout the State.

These interventions under MEGA Corridor project, combined with the ongoing projects like Shillong Dawki Corridor (NH 106 & 206), Tura Dalu Road (NH 217), Phulbari to Goeragre Road (NH 127B), Dhubro-Phulbari bridge will unlock potential of the State in transforming into a Logistic hub and economic powerhouse of region, envisioning a USD 10 Billion economy by 2028, he added.