Shillong: A feasibility study on traffic congestion in this city is likely to be undertaken by PADECO, a consultant firm of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

JICA is funding the construction of national highway projects, including the Shillong-Dawki-Tamabil (NH 40) highway in Meghalaya.

During a meeting convened by the State Planning Board here, representatives of PADECO discussed traffic congestion, improvement of roads, including state and district roads and issues concerning health and education sector with Meghalaya government officials.

Officials of PWD (roads), health and education departments attended the meeting in presence of planning board chairman Lambor Malngiang.

PADECO senior consultant Chiaki Kuranami told reporters that they will offer technical assistance to the government and a decision to undertake any feasibility study on certain infrastructure development would be undertaken after getting approval from JICA.

Recently, Meghalaya home minister James P.K. Sangma told the Assembly that around 1.7 lakh vehicles pass through Shillong during peak hours and around 93,000 on a normal day.

He, however, said that any study would take at least six months.

The firm is also interacting with government officials in Assam, Mizoram, Tripura and Nagaland on similar issues.

"During the meeting, we requested the government officials to provide us information on some of its priorities. We will first understand their priorities and then start discussions," a representative of the firm said.

Malngiang said the board would like to get experts to study traffic congestion in Shillong.

He said the traffic problem is a matter of concern and the city would require construction of link and ring roads wherever possible.

On education, he pointed out the poor infrastructure, especially the condition of school buildings and small classrooms, adding that problem areas in health sector would be also identified.