Shillong, July 29: Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong on Wednesday said efforts are underway to restore connectivity along the Shillong-Dawki Road, expressing optimism that the affected stretch could be reopened to traffic within a week.
Speaking to reporters, Tynsong said the immediate focus is on restoring the portion of the road that was washed away. He said instructions have been issued to the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) and its executing agency to construct a subway at the affected site.
According to Tynsong, construction of the subway is nearing completion, with work being carried out round the clock. He expressed hope that traffic movement along the Shillong-Dawki Road would resume within the next week if the work progresses as planned.
Responding to concerns over the pace of restoration work, Tynsong pointed out that the project is being executed by NHIDCL under the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways and is not directly under the control of the state government. However, he said the state government, district administration and other concerned agencies are extending all possible support to address logistical and local challenges faced by the executing agency. He added that the government has impressed upon NHIDCL to expedite the restoration work and ensure satisfactory progress.
The Deputy Chief Minister also said the Home Department has directed the concerned Deputy Commissioners and Superintendents of Police to take additional measures to improve road safety and prevent accidents along the route. He expressed confidence that sustained efforts by the district administration would help reduce the frequency of accidents and address the grievances raised by residents and commuters.
Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong on Wednesday clarified that the proposed food court at Umling in Ri Bhoi district is merely a tourism initiative aimed at providing basic amenities to travellers and does not mean that the government has abandoned its plans to establish a full-fledged facilitation centre at the location.
Speaking to reporters, Tynsong said the proposed facility is intended to cater to people stopping at Umling, particularly in view of the proposed air freight station and other related activities. He said the government continues to pursue the establishment of a full-fledged facilitation centre at Umling, adding that the delay is linked to the pending amendment to the Meghalaya Residents Safety and Security Act (MRSSA), which is currently under consideration by the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Expressing confidence that the amendment process would be completed soon, Tynsong said the government would further strengthen the facilities already created at Umling once the legal issues are resolved.
On concerns raised by the Khasi Students’ Union (KSU), the Deputy Chief Minister said the government remains open to discussions and is willing to engage with the organisation whenever required.
