The National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation (NHIDCL) has officially commenced the development of a detailed project report (DPR) for the construction of an alternative four-lane road that will connect Umiam and Shillong. The NHIDCL intends to conduct an extensive series of alignment studies, after which two to three possible routes will be shortlisted for the project. These options will then be carefully evaluated, with the most feasible alignment chosen for implementation.
According to reports, the NHIDCL is prioritizing the selection of a greenfield alignment for the road, which would involve completely bypassing the Umiam Lake area. This approach aims to minimize environmental impact and streamline the construction process. The preparation of the DPR is a crucial step, and it is expected to take up to a year to complete, during which various technical and environmental factors will be analysed to ensure the project's success and sustainability.
