Shillong: The East Khasi Hills administration forced the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited to submit a firm, stage-wise repair schedule for the ruined Shillong-Dawki highway. Officials moved after an emergency inspection by IIT-Guwahati experts revealed the depth of the damage. The road serves as a vital artery for international trade and local tourism.
Deputy Commissioner Abhilash Baranwal ordered the Pynursla SDO to track project milestones every two weeks. NHIDCL must set specific dates for the expert report, the start of construction, and the final project completion. The corporation previously claimed the repairs would take months. Now, the government rejects these excuses as stalling tactics.
Pressure boiled over earlier this week when the Khasi Students’ Union and the Federation of Khasi, Jaintia and Garo People threatened to repair the road themselves. They accused officials of complete neglect. The groups stood down only after spotting machinery and crews at the site. "We want to see the trucks moving again. Every day of delay hits the pockets of farmers and traders," a local representative said.
The administration lifted all time restrictions for light motor vehicles to provide relief. Commuters may now use the diversion route through Laitlyngkot, Iew Mawiong, Umthli, Nongthymmai, and Laitkynsew freely. Officials also scrapped the previous three-day-a-week traffic regulation on the main highway. NHIDCL now faces orders to build a temporary subway for light traffic while crews work on the permanent fix. Local groups are watching closely to ensure the temporary repairs do not lead to further delays.
Comments