Shillong: The vital link between Shillong and the rest of the country is falling apart. The Shillong-Umiam road is once again riddled with deep potholes and dangerous patches from Mawlai Mawiong to Umiam. Drivers are stuck. The National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited has failed to fix the highway despite clear signs of collapse.
Last year, the agency chose minor patchwork over a permanent road overlay. This mistake left the pavement weak and ready to fail again under the stress of heavy traffic. Meghalaya faces a long, punishing monsoon season. Commuters fear the path will become impassable as rain hammers the broken asphalt.
Authorities previously promised a full strengthening and expansion project for this corridor. Nothing happened. No work has started on the ground to keep these promises. Motorists continue to deal with a treacherous route while official claims from last year remain empty. A local commuter noted that despite the high volume of traffic, "The critical Shillong-Umiam road, which serves as the primary lifeline connecting the state capital with the rest of the country, has once again started to deteriorate, with the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) failing to undertake permanent repairs."
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