From Our Reporter
PYNURSLA, March 10: The FKJGP Riwar Mihngi Circle and the KSU South Central East Circle have called for the deployment of police personnel at narrow junctions along the Shillong-Dawki Road, where Phase II construction work is currently under way.
The demand was raised during a joint inspection conducted on Tuesday along the stretch from Laitlyngkot to Lyngkyrdem.
The organisations pointed out that several portions of the road are extremely narrow, resulting in frequent traffic congestion when vehicles attempt to overtake. In many cases, vehicles remain stuck for hours, including ambulances carrying patients requiring urgent medical attention.
Following these concerns, the magistrate directed the Officer-in-Charge of Pynursla Police Station to deploy police personnel to regulate traffic. The groups also suggested that police presence should be ensured not only at a single point but across multiple narrow stretches of the road.
The two organisations further urged the construction firm implementing Phase II of the project, YFC Project Pvt. Ltd. – ACE Construction (JV), to complete the blacktopping of the narrow stretch at Mawlieh before reaching Lyngkyrdem by April.
They stated that proper stone laying and strengthening of the road are necessary as the existing surface becomes muddy and slippery during heavy rainfall, often causing vehicles to get stuck.
Responding to the concerns, the project manager assured that the blacktopping of the Mawlieh stretch would be completed by April.
The organisations also demanded the immediate removal of loose soil and stones along the road, which could fall during rainfall and pose a serious danger to commuters.
They noted that past incidents, including the loss of lives in previous years, indicate negligence and a lack of seriousness despite repeated complaints.
They also urged the authorities and the implementing agency to take concrete steps to address safety concerns, warning that superficial measures would only prolong the risks.
The groups appealed to drivers and pedestrians to report any unstable areas or landslide-prone spots either to the SDO’s office or to the organisations so that preventive action can be taken.
According to the organisations, one such vulnerable location has been identified below Laitlyngkot under Package 2, where commuters have reported that the area could collapse during heavy rainfall.
Officials present during the inspection included the Block Development Officer of Pynursla C&RD Block, Lamriche Kharmon; Assistant Executive Engineer of the Public Works Department (Roads), Pynursla Sub-Division, Joplut Kharbuli; and representatives of the implementing company.
Meanwhile, the long-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.
As a safety measure, authorities have regulated vehicular movement along the construction stretches. Traffic is currently allowed from 4 am to 11:30 am and from 4 pm to 9:30 pm.
However, residents and commuters have expressed concern that the limited movement window has significantly disrupted daily activities and transport.
