SHILLONG, Aug 29: The state government appears to be in no mood to repair the deteriorating strategic roads around the state capital.
Parts of the Shillong-Umiam stretch of National Highway 6 and the Shillong-Mylliem Road on the Shillong-Dawki highway have developed potholes and large cracks. The situation is worsening by the day.
The state of these two roads often leads to traffic congestion, creating additional problems for daily commuters.
These two are among the busiest roads in the state. Their condition is leaving a negative impression in the minds of tourists who have to take these roads for exploring the city and beyond.
A group of tourists from West Bengal said their journey from Umiam to Shillong was in sharp contrast to the smooth drive from Guwahati to Umiam.
The two roads are particularly dangerous for people on two-wheelers, many of whom have had accidents in recent times. Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong, who also handles PWD, said he has asked the National Highways Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) to invite tender for redoing the Shillong-Umiam stretch of NH-6.
Insisting that the stretch is bad only in some portions, he said the NHIDCL is working out the detailed project report and a tender will soon be invited for blacktopping, modification and beautification of the road.
But there are doubts whether the NHIDCL can get the job done ahead of a slew of tourism festivals by December. The Shillong Cherry Blossom is one such festival that attracts tourists.
A few days ago, Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma indicated bad roads and traffic jams were not deterrents for tourism.
