By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, April 18: After years of missed deadlines and commuter gridlock, the four-lane Rilbong-Upper Shillong arterial stretch is finally nearing completion, yet the promise of a seamless drive is already being compromised by a rapid influx of illegal roadside vendors.
Construction crews are currently applying final touches to this critical segment of the Shillong-Dawki project. Major components, including overpasses at the 101 Area and Baniun, are largely finished, aimed at bypassing historically congested junctions. Streetlight installation and road marking are also underway across several sections.
While localised overlaying work near the 101 area continues to cause minor one-way traffic restrictions, the new alignment—which includes a fresh diversion from the 3rd Mile junction toward Shillong Peak—has significantly reduced transit times for commuters heading toward Sohra, Pynursla and the Bangladesh border.
However, the infrastructure’s utility is being threatened by the unregulated expansion of makeshift stalls. Hawkers have established a presence along various stretches, prompting motorists to stop on the highway shoulders. This trend risks creating new bottlenecks and significant safety hazards on a road designed for high-speed transit.
Regarding the broader project, Phase II has shown visible physical progress with substantial bridge and roadwork components taking shape, though this segment remains far from operational. While the Rilbong-Upper Shillong stretch is functional, authorities face the immediate challenge of clearing encroachments to ensure the four-lane investment serves its intended purpose.
