AGARTALA, Dec 27 � The proposed four-laning of Assam-Agartala National Highway is unlikely to see the light within the stipulated time as the first phase of the facelift is scheduled to be completed by 2014.
The upgradation plan of NH-44 has been divided into two separate phases. In the first phase, the highway will be upgraded to double lane by 2014 though it was supposed to be completed by 2013. With the project already delayed by three years, the final phase of four-laning is not likely to be finished even in five years.
The Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the road linkage between Agartala and Sabroom has been submitted earlier this month. Speaking to reporters here on Wednesday YP Singh, Principal Secretary for PWD, said that the DPR for the road link between Agartala and Sabroom was submitted in the first week of December while the DPR for the upgradation from Churaibari to Agartala is still under preparation.
�The work has been given to Border Roads Organisation (BRO) while National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) is preparing the DPR�, said he.
The Detailed Project Report will include expenses of forest cost, land acquisition, shifting of power lines, equipment cost, wages of labour, etc.
The work for the first phase is most likely to get off by the first half of next year. Meanwhile, the State Government is maintaining close contact with the Union Ministry of Surface Transport and Communication to execute the work on time.
