By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, April 11: The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has engaged a specialised contractor to carry out critical slope stabilisation and repair work at specific locations along the 102-km Jowai-Ratacherra stretch of National Highway-6.
While two contractors—Dhar Construction Company and Purvanchal Buildtech Pvt. Ltd.—completed the overall strengthening of the highway last year under a Rs 200 crore project, seven vulnerable spots totalling 300 metres require specialised intervention.
This new contract, which includes slope stabilisation and pothole management, is expected to take 18 months to complete.
The work is intended to provide a long-term solution to recurring landslides near the Sonapur tunnel and other areas, which frequently leave vehicles stranded for days during the monsoon.
Authorities noted that while the main highway has been improved, specialised techniques are necessary to secure the treacherous terrain.
In a related development, the second toll plaza at Lumshnong, which had remained closed since 2014, was officially reopened on Friday.
It is pertinent to note that the Jowai-Ratacherra section is a vital lifeline for the region, connecting the Brahmaputra and Barak valleys and serving as the primary arterial link for Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura and southern Assam. Between 2022 and 2024, the stretch suffered severe damage due to extreme rainfall, with slope failures and pavement washouts extending travel times between Shillong and Ratacherra to over 12 hours.
The ongoing specialised works aim to ensure the highway remains traversable year-round, reducing the endurance test previously faced by commuters and transporters.
