Shillong, April 29: Meghalaya Deputy Chief Minister in-charge of PWD Prestone Tynsong has said that he has directed the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) to ensure continuous monitoring by experts and consultancy teams, with regular surveys to identify unsafe stretches and take timely action, while also instructing both NHIDCL and the State PWD to respond to any situation arising during the monsoon, following repeated landslides and traffic disruptions along the Shillong–Dawki road.
Highlighting safety concerns, Tynsong said, “I have directed the NHIDCL again to make sure that those experts, the consultancy group do the monitoring, get the Survey every now and then see where are the portion which is not safe, then action has to be taken.” He added, “For that I have already instructed NHIDCL and also from the state PWD to assist when there is any kind of situation arises during the monsoon period.”
He noted that the issue has persisted since the beginning of the project, stating, “Well, I think this issue has been there right from the day when the project started, I think that we don’t have to get confused and let me tell you one thing the DPR is also prepare according to the terrain, according to the soil condition and then according to the topography of each portion.”
Referring to recent disruptions, he said, “I think now it’s more less One week, we have closed down the safety of our people, we didn’t allowed them to travel through this road. This morning we open up again in Mawlieh portion digging, extraction of hillock is more less completed.” He added, “So again, after two three hours from the opening of of the traffic movement, again just after crossing Laitlyngkot, there were again landslide, I think right now they just clearing it. They have just done it.” He further said, “Sometimes it happens maybe after stretch or one kilometer or two kilometers or three kilometer so this will keep happening.”
Tynsong urged residents to exercise caution and limit travel during the monsoon, particularly along vulnerable stretches, as construction and blasting activities continue. He also appealed for public cooperation, stating that the government aims to complete the project at the earliest, which is expected to significantly reduce travel time between Shillong, Pynursla and Dawki.
