World Bank concerned with slow progress of Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana project

SHILLONG: The World Bank, which is funding a 1,625 km long road under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) in the state, today expressed concern at the slow progress of the project whose deadline is 2015.

During a meeting with Chief Minister Mukul Sangma, World Bank officials asked the state government to expedite the process to ensure that the project did not derail.

Detailed project reports (DPRs) have been completed for about half of the total length and tenders have been floated only for about 200 km, official sources said.

A few hurdles were solved during discussions with the World Bank representatives, Sangma told reporters later.

The state government attributed the poor implementation of the project, which started in 2011, to rough terrain and prolonged monsoon, the sources said.

The Chief Minister urged the World Bank to provide consultancy services to the state in preparing estimates and details of the plans.

PWD Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar said the government would appoint additional consultants to help the department in preparing the DPRs.