From Our Reporter
PYNURSLA, March 4: The much-delayed Shillong-Dawki road project continues to face timeline challenges, with officials indicating that Phase II and Phase IV are now likely to be completed by December 2027.
Authorities regulated vehicular movement along the construction stretches as a safety measure. At present, traffic is allowed from 4 am to 11.30 am and from 4 pm to 9.30 pm.
The restrictions, however, have raised concerns among residents and commuters. They complained that the limited movement window has significantly affected their daily activities and transportation.
A senior official associated with the project said the curbs were necessary to prevent accidents and ensure public safety during construction. “We do not want to take any risks or allow any untoward incidents to happen. Safety of the people is our utmost priority, as we experienced some unfortunate incidents earlier,” he said.
Acknowledging the inconvenience caused to commuters, he said the police, in coordination with representatives of the construction firm, are facilitating vehicular movement in case of medical or other emergencies.
According to him, Package II, which involves widening the 35-km stretch from Mylliem Marbaniang to Lad Langkawet, is approximately 60 per cent complete.
He added that Package IV, which covers the 27-km stretch from Khliehtyrsaw to Lad Lapalang and involves widening the road to two lanes with paved shoulders, has achieved nearly 80 per cent completion.
Work on Package V, which spans 7.99 km from Lad Lapalang to Tamabil (Dawki), has also commenced. This package includes the construction of a new 368-metre bridge over the Umngot River. Sources said the work has progressed close to the Dawki bridge.
The official admitted that progress on certain stretches has been slower due to geographical challenges.
“Some portions are extremely narrow, and the hilly terrain and topography make it difficult for the construction firm to carry out work efficiently,” he explained.
Meanwhile, the proposed Package III — Pynursla Bypass from Wahlyngkhat to Khliehtyrsaw — has been awarded to Dhar Brothers Construction. The package includes the construction of a flyover. However, work is yet to begin.
Officials attributed the delay to land acquisition and alignment issues. Recently, Rs 95 crore was reportedly released for land compensation to address these hurdles.
Package I covers the four-lane stretch from Rilbong to Mylliem Marbaniang along with bypasses at 3rd Mile and 8th Mile. Blacktopping is underway.
Although the original deadline was December 2025, the official said the completion is now expected by the end of this month, subject to the final shifting of GSWSS water pipelines.
The 90-km Shillong–Dawki road project has missed multiple deadlines. The Rs 1,377.5 crore project is funded by the Japanese International Cooperation Agency.
