The Shillong Smart City project has hit a major roadblock, quite literally, with a stretch of road in Lachumiere being seemingly abandoned by the Meghalaya government. Initially planned under the ambitious Smart City initiative, construction began several years ago but has halted indefinitely, leaving the stretch incomplete. Urban Affairs Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar had previously declared the project unfeasible, leading to its cancellation despite some progress. However, he later promised that new estimates under the State Plan would aim to upgrade roads in Shillong to meet smart road standards.
Months have passed since this assurance was made, yet the abandoned road continues to languish, creating significant inconvenience for local residents and daily commuters. Only two-wheelers can manage to navigate the incomplete road, causing considerable disruption. Despite multiple announcements, the government seems in no rush to either revive or officially dismiss the project, leaving it in a state of uncertainty. This stagnation has sparked concerns about wasted taxpayer money and unkept promises under the Smart City scheme.
Originally, the state government aimed to construct six kilometers of Smart City roads in Shillong, but doubts are now looming over the feasibility of the entire project, with the first phase in Lachumiere still unfinished. Besides road construction, the Smart City plans also included the renovation of key junctions in the city. To date, only the Fire Brigade junction shows any signs of progress, although the high-mast lighting system installed there remains non-functional.
Facing repeated delays and incomplete execution, the Shillong Smart City project has left residents increasingly frustrated. They are now calling for greater accountability from the government and the timely completion of promised infrastructure improvements to ease daily life in the bustling hill city.
Original Source: https://theshillongtimes.com/2025/02/09/despite-govt-assurance-work-on-lachumiere-stretch-yet-to-begin/
Category : MEGHALAYA
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Publish Date: 2025-02-09 07:20:00
