By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Oct 5: Travelling along the Shillong–Dawki road, particularly the stretch between Laitlyngkot and Pynursla, has become increasingly dangerous due to frequent landslides that continue to threaten commuters’ safety.
In the past few days alone, two vehicles were struck by falling rocks near Dainshyieng, heightening public fear over the deteriorating condition of the route.
According to reports, a truck was hit by falling rocks from a hillside on Sunday morning. Fortunately, there were no injuries or casualties, though the truck’s registration number remains unidentified.
Earlier, on October 2, a tourist vehicle (Alto) was badly damaged after boulders rolled down near Pomlum village. The passengers escaped unhurt, managing to get out just in time before the rocks struck the car.
Witnesses alleged that the driver and passengers had tried to drive through the road even as the hillside was beginning to slide.
They reportedly removed stones placed there by workers from YFC & ACE Company, the contractor responsible for the Shillong–Dawki road project, which is being implemented under the supervision of the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL).
The car owner later claimed that JCB operators on site had assured motorists it was safe to pass, and several vehicles had crossed before the mishap occurred. Unfortunately, his vehicle was struck by falling rocks shortly after.
Authorities have yet to confirm whether the incident happened before or after the warning notice issued by the SDO of Pynursla Civil Sub-Division, which prohibited vehicular movement along the stretch until the contractors cleared debris from a previous landslide caused by heavy rain on the afternoon of October 2.
The same landslide last week had forced a three-day closure of the route. This area falls under Package II of the Shillong–Dawki Road Project.
Following the landslide last week, Assistant PRO of the construction company, T. Khongkrom claimed that the landslide resulted from blasting operations and some people were injured during the blasting
However, during his inspection of the site, Deputy Chief Minister and PWD (Roads) Minister, Prestone Tynsong, stated to the media that no blasting had taken place.
This contradiction has raised suspicions that the company may not have properly briefed or informed the Deputy Chief Minister about the blasting activities.
The Shillong–Dawki Road Project has been plagued by delays and controversies since its inception. Preliminary studies began around 2016, yet the project has progressed slowly and unevenly over the years.
The foundation stone was formally laid by then Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu on October 4, 2021, although some initial groundwork had started earlier.
Local residents, traditional heads and civil organisations have voiced frustration over the slow pace of construction and the frequent road closures that disrupt their daily lives. Many accuse the company of negligence and poor safety management, alleging that it allows traffic without adequate safety measures.
Villagers living along both sides of the hillside remain in constant fear of falling boulders and rocks, particularly due to unauthorised blasting conducted without public notice.
Although complaints have been filed with both the SDO of Pynursla Civil Sub-Division and NHIDCL, no concrete action has been taken so far to warn or penalise the company.
There are also allegations that the company operates with impunity, enjoying protection from influential figures.
After nearly eight years since the project began, people continue to travel this dangerous road under constant threat, with little sign of improvement.
Local leaders and residents are urging authorities and NHIDCL to ensure faster progress, maintain strict safety protocols, and hold the construction company accountable for the repeated lapses that put people’s lives at risk.
NHIDCL officials have indicated that some sections may be completed by 2026, but no definite timeline has been confirmed.
The NHIDCL is contemplating using some specialised technology to address the concerns of landslides and discussion to the effect would be held soon.
