SHILLONG, Jan 12: The National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited’s bid to complete the work on the first package of the Shillong-Dawki road project is facing a significant setback due to lack of clearance from the Defence authorities.
An NHIDCL official told The Shillong Times that the bitumen laying work for approximately 8 km of the road under the first package is progressing well, except for the stretches involving Army-controlled areas.
The first package of the Shillong-Dawki road project, a critical four-lane stretch from Rilbong to Upper Shillong, passes through Defense establishments, further complicating coordination efforts.
The primary hindrance stems from delays in obtaining permission from Army authorities to construct a boundary wall essential for the project’s progress, the official said.
A significant part of the plan involves constructing a vehicle underpass to connect the 101 HQ Area and the 17 TA JAT camp, with the existing road passing above the underpass.
Despite a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in 2020 between the Army and NHIDCL, the Army is yet to grant clearance for the demolition of their existing wall after the construction of an internal replacement wall, the official said.
“The construction of the main road requires a service road for traffic movement. Our plan was to build the internal wall first, then demolish the existing one. However, every 10-15 days, Army authorities halt our work,” the NHIDCL official said.
Efforts to address the issue by seeking a meeting with the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the 101 Area have reportedly gone unanswered, leaving the project stalled in these sections.
Frustrated with the delays, NHIDCL has decided to proceed with completing the bitumen laying work on the road, excluding the Army areas, if permissions are not granted soon.
“If they give us permission now, we will include the Army areas in the work. If not, we will finish the road in all other sections by March-April,” the official said.
The Shillong-Dawki project is a vital infrastructure initiative aimed at improving connectivity in the region, but the lack of cooperation from the Defence authorities sems to be posing a significant roadblock.
