By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Aug 24: The FKJGP Upper Shillong Circle has raised serious concern over the slow progress of Phase I of the Shillong-Dawki four-lane road project, particularly along the Umshyrpi to Hyniewmer-Umdiengpun stretch.
Apart from the delay, the FKJGP also questioned the quality of work being carried out by the contractor and the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL), pointing to safety risks for commuters using the road.
Speaking to The Shillong Times, FKJGP Upper Shillong Circle president, Kitboklang Nongphlang, said the public is enduring immense hardship due to the sluggish pace of construction on this critical route.
He noted that traffic congestion—especially severe on Mondays and weekends—has made daily travel unbearable.
“On Saturday, commuters were stuck in traffic from 3 PM to 8 PM,” he said, adding that such gridlocks have now become routine.
Nongphlang urged the state government to exert pressure on NHIDCL and the contractor to accelerate work on this stretch, particularly at key junctions that he identified as the main contributors to persistent traffic jams.
“This road serves as a lifeline for vehicles entering the city from several districts, including the Garo Hills. It is unacceptable for the public to continue suffering due to a lack of professionalism and commitment from NHIDCL and the contractor,” he said.
Expressing concern over construction quality, Nongphlang cited poor workmanship at locations such as Saw Mer, Shillong Peak junction, and the Hyniewmer junction leading to Elephant Falls. He also pointed to visible defects, including a tilting wall near a newly constructed bridge.
“We fear that this shoddy construction could endanger commuters’ safety,” he said, adding that if the project is found to have been executed below standard, the contractor should be penalised.
