The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has recently invited a tender worth ₹366.46 crore for the widening and strengthening of National Highway-127B (NH-127B) in Meghalaya. This highway is a key route in the northeastern state, and the project is expected to improve road connectivity, boost regional development, and make travel smoother and safer for both commuters and freight movement.
Project Overview
The project focuses on the expansion of a 37.75 km stretch of NH-127B, from Tura to Dalu in the West Garo Hills district. The proposed work includes converting the existing road into a 2-lane highway with paved shoulders. The road will also be improved structurally and upgraded with better drainage systems, signage, safety features, and other modern road infrastructure.
The tender falls under the Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) mode. Under this model, the contractor is responsible for both designing and building the project within a fixed timeframe and budget. This helps in faster execution and better quality control.
Importance of NH-127B
NH-127B serves as a vital link between the town of Tura and Dalu, which is located near the India-Bangladesh border. This route is important not only for internal connectivity within Meghalaya but also for international trade, as it connects to the border trading point at Dalu. Currently, the road is narrow and in poor condition, causing inconvenience to travelers and slowing down the movement of goods.
By widening and improving NH-127B, the government aims to boost trade with Bangladesh, support the local economy, and provide better access to remote areas. It will also improve connectivity between key towns and rural areas in Meghalaya, enhancing access to markets, health care, and education.
Development in Northeast India
This project is part of a larger initiative by the central government to improve infrastructure in the northeastern region of India. The Northeast, due to its hilly terrain and frequent rains, faces unique challenges in road construction and maintenance. Many roads are narrow, damaged, or prone to landslides.
MoRTH has been actively investing in the region to overcome these issues. Several national highways are being upgraded, new roads are being built, and bridges and tunnels are being planned to reduce travel time and increase safety. The NH-127B widening project fits into this broader vision of bringing the Northeast closer to the rest of the country.
Tender Details and Timeline
The ₹366.46 crore tender was announced on MoRTH’s e-procurement portal. Interested contractors must meet specific technical and financial criteria. The construction period is expected to be around two years from the date of award, followed by a five-year maintenance period.
The last date for submitting bids is usually within 45-60 days of the tender publication. After technical and financial evaluation, the contract will be awarded to the lowest qualified bidder. Once work begins, regular monitoring and inspections will be done to ensure timely progress and quality control.
Benefits to Local People
Once completed, the improved NH-127B will bring multiple benefits to the local population. Travel time between Tura and Dalu will be reduced significantly. Farmers and traders will find it easier to transport their goods, students will have better access to educational institutions, and emergency services will become more efficient.
The construction phase will also create job opportunities for local workers, suppliers, and small businesses. The improved infrastructure is expected to attract new investments and tourism to the region, further supporting Meghalaya’s growth.
Conclusion
The ₹366.46 crore tender for widening NH-127B in Meghalaya is a positive step toward strengthening connectivity in the Northeast. With better roads, safer travel, and more efficient movement of goods, the project will improve the quality of life for people in West Garo Hills and surrounding areas. This initiative reflects the government’s continued focus on inclusive infrastructure development, especially in border and remote regions.
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Construction, Infrastructure and Mining
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