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Nitin Gadkari inaugurated the Jowai-Ratacherra road
Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Shri Nitin Gadkari dedicates the Jowai-Ratacherra section of National Highway 06 to the nation. The Union Minister dedicates this project today during the inaugural programme in Shillong which was attended by Officials from other North Eastern States which include Tripura Chief Minister Biplab Deb, Chief Secretary Sanjeev Ranjan (IAS), Arunachal Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein, Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma, Cabinet Minister Government of Meghalaya Prestone Tynsong, Kyrmen Shylla, Metbah Lyngdoh and West Jaintia Hills MLA Wailadmi Shylla and other officials from the North East Region.
The National Highway project was constructed at a cost of 683 Crore rupees and will reduce the travel time between Jowai and Ratacherra to 2 and a half hours from the 4 hours at present. The highway passes through the coal and cement producing belt and is a lifeline for the landlocked states of the North East. Improved connectivity will foster economic growth in the Barak Valley and surrounding areas open up employment opportunities and improve overall living conditions in the region.
The total length of the road is 102.255 which originates from National Highway 06 which is 5 km from Jowai town in West Jaintia Hills District. The road which has a past history of landslides and blockage is now in better conditions after the completion of this project. The newly developed highway will have 2 Toll Plazas, 17 bus shelters, 2 highway patrol and 2 ambulances, besides 2 wayside amenities
Addressing the function Union Minister Shri Nitin Gadkari said that the Central Government is giving highest priority for the overall development of the North Eastern States, adding that roads and connectivity are the means to prosperity and the key for the development of industries and agriculture sector. The Union Minister also said that bamboo can not only be used for production of paper products but it also has a huge potentiality to be used for bio-energy production and urged the State Government to make use of the raw material for creating employment opportunities in the State. He added that the centre is ready to assist the region in terms of funds for developing better roads. He reminds that in Meghalaya land acquisition is the main problems in setting up good roads, there for he urged the State Government (Meghalaya) to speed up with all the acquisition in order to start up new project in the State.
Speaking during the inaugural function Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma said that it is indeed a proud and historic moment and a boon for the State of Meghalaya and the North Eastern States. With the area being a highly economic activity zone, the completion of the road will go a long way in boosting the economy of the area in particular and the State as a whole the Chief Minister concluded.
