All major roads to be constructed by 2020: Sonowal

Construction from October to April without wasting a single day, MLAs to suggest new roads by assessing needs and requirements

STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI, July 2: Sensing public resentment and anger over pathetic roads condition in the State, Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal on Monday announced completing construction of all major roads by 2020.

Sonowal while speaking at the review meeting of Public Works Department in the city on Monday instructed the officials to complete construction of roads, bridges within the period from October to April from this year. He said all procedures of tender, DPR, administrative approvals etc must be completed within the rainy season. “We must not waste a single day in construction season from October to April,” the Chief Minister said

He asked MLAs to play their part in fulfilling the government’s objective by prioritizing the roads in their constituencies.

“When the people feel that the MLAs and public representatives have provided good roads only than they will be able to get good response in elections,” he said.

Speaking on the occasion PWD Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said that 10,000 kms of roads are being built under PMGSY in the State. He said during the previous government’s tenure it took 15 years to build 17,000 kms roads while 10,000 kms roads have been built in one year under the present government. He informed that under the “Mahabir Lachit Chilarai Setu Nirman Achoni”, nearly 700 bridges would be built in the state for a total amount of Rs 1500 crore. Additionally, Rs 1 crore would be allotted against each of the 800 tea gardens in the state for building roads within the tea garden areas. He also called on the MLAs to suggest new roads in their constituencies which can be included while preparing action plan of PWD.

Sarma said the BJP MLAs have been called for the first meeting and MLAs of other political parties will also be invited for the subsequent meetings in a phased manner which will be held for implementing the road projects by assessing needs and requirements of all assembly constituencies in the State.