Shillong: The National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited has initiated plans to hire IIT Guwahati for a comprehensive safety study on the Shillong-Dawki highway. The corporation informed the High Court of Meghalaya that experts identified the need for a detailed investigation into road widening options for several vulnerable stretches of the route.
A division bench led by Chief Justice Revati Mohite Dere and Justice W. Diengdoh reviewed the progress following earlier safety directives. The NHIDCL reported that a request was sent to the institute on May 27 and a formal response is currently pending. In the interim, contractors are installing road safety signage and retro-reflective tapes in line with official guidelines. The corporation confirmed it directed contractors to place metal beam crash barriers at dangerous points, noting that the materials have been procured and will be installed shortly.
To manage traffic amid frequent landslides, the NHIDCL has required contractors to station trained flagmen with communication devices at active work sites. The corporation also addressed the need for emergency services by requesting the state government provide an ambulance from an existing fleet. However, the court advised the agency to take swifter action, suggesting it would be advisable for the NHIDCL to provide a new ambulance within four weeks if the state cannot fulfill the request.
The court further ordered an assessment of the impact on students displaced by the relocation of a school at Mawlieh village. The NHIDCL must provide additional data on daily vehicle traffic and the nature of road usage before the next hearing on June 24.
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