By Our Reporter
Shillong, Dec 2: A report submitted by Amicus Curiae S. Panthi to the High Court of Meghalaya has exposed serious deterioration along the Jowai-Ratacherra stretch of National Highway-6, including large potholes on the Jowai Bypass.
The court is hearing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) concerning the poor condition of this vital highway stretch.
According to the Amicus Curiae’s report, which was taken on record, the road in and around Byndihati, Mynkre, Thadlaskein, and Lumshnong is in deplorable condition.
Large potholes dominate the middle of the highway, reinforcement rods are exposed, guard walls are damaged, and several non-pucca sections, particularly near the Sonapur bridge area, are severely affected.
The report stresses that these stretches require immediate repair.
A copy of the report was handed over to advocate S. Sengupta, appearing for the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI).
The Division Bench of Chief Justice Soumen Sen and Justice Hamarsan Singh Thangkhiew observed that earlier assurances given by NHAI through affidavits do not reflect the ground reality.
The Bench noted that the presence of large potholes, exposed reinforcement rods, and damaged guard walls in multiple locations—issues not acknowledged in NHAI’s previous affidavit—indicates a significant gap between the authority’s claims and the actual situation.
Advocate S. Sengupta assured the court that all remaining repair works will be completed by January 21, 2026.
The matter has been posted for hearing in the monthly cause list of February 2026.
