In a significant move, the Meghalaya government has decided to cancel the smart road projects under the Shillong Smart City initiative. The decision was taken after it was found that the projects were not feasible. The smart road project, which was to be implemented in the Lachmiere area, was part of the 17 Smart City projects being undertaken in the state. Despite significant efforts, only 3-4% of the work had been completed, leading to the project’s cancellation.
Background and Context
The Shilong Smart City project aimed to transform the city into a modern and technologically advanced urban center. The project included various initiatives such as smart roads, smart parking, and smart markets. However, the smart road project, which was the initiative’s centerpiece, faced numerous challenges, including the lack of available land and the high cost of implementation.
Reasons for Cancellation
The deputy chief minister in charge of urban affairs, Sniawbhalang Dhar, explained that the project was canceled due to its infeasibility. He highlighted that the project was not progressing as planned and that no land was available for its completion. Additionally, the financial burden of the project was deemed unsustainable. Despite the initial investment, very little progress had been made, leading to the decision to cancel the project.
Fresh Proposal for Resurfacing City Road
Instead of the canceled smart road project, the government has prepared a fresh proposal to resurface all important city roads. This initiative will be funded by the state plan and will be executed by the Public Works Department (PWD). The resurfacing project aims to provide a similar level of modernization and convenience as the smart road project, albeit at a lower cost and with greater feasibility.
Impact on Other Smart City Projects
The cancellation of the smart road project does not affect the progress of other Smart city projects in Shillong. According to Dhar, the other projects are in good progress and are expected to be completed within the stipulated time. The Polo markets, Laitumkharah, around 12-13 parking projects are currently under development, which will enhance the city’s infrastructure and convenience for residents and visitors.
Call for Cooperation
The deputy chief minister emphasized the need for cooperation between the government and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to ensure the smooth progress of all projects. He highlighted that the government is committed to working together with NGOs to bring about the necessary development and progress in the state. He also acknowledged that there might be some lapses in documentation, but he urged all stakeholders to work together to move the state forward.
Conclusion
The Meghalaya government’s decision to cancel the smart road project in Shillong is a significant step towards re-evaluating and optimizing the use of resources. The fresh proposal to resurface city roads will provide a more practical and cost-effective solution to modernize the city’s infrastructure. The government’s commitment to cooperation and progress ensures that other Smart City projects will continue to move forward, benefiting the people of Shillong and the state for a while.