Editor,
Shillong is a city I am proud of and am fortunate to be living here since my school and college days and even now that I am working I still enjoy the uniqueness of this place. Its beautiful scenery, rolling hills, fresh air and a pleasant climate draws people from different corners of our state who consider it a prestige to live here. With tourism thriving in our state it continues to draw people from other parts of our country and even outside our country. But I also clearly remember that for many decades till date the chronic traffic jam continues to dog this city.
From time to time the authorities have introduced various measures such as one-way traffic systems, restricted parking zones, regulated parking on road sides wherever possible, private parking facilities, and multilevel parking facilities in crowded areas. These measures are commendable but not sufficient because the number of people and vehicles keep on increasing day by day while the existing roads within the city remain the same .
One persistent question that keeps coming to my mind is, why do so many people including myself continue to live here in spite of all these problems? The reasons are many but I would like to discuss only two main reasons which compel people to live here.
First is employment opportunities. The city provides employment opportunities in state and central government offices, business activities, tourism, construction jobs and daily wage activities. This helps the various strata of citizens to meet all the expenditures for necessities like food, water, electricity, house rent, etc.
Second is education. Children from Nursery to Class X need great dedication from their parents for their safety, moral upbringing and constant presence in their lives till they complete their minimum education up to Class X; normally for a period of 10 to 15 years. During this long period, parents of these children are compelled to reside in and around the areas of reputed schools like St. Mary’s, St. Edmund’s, St. Anthony’s, Pine Mount, KJP and others to be able to cater to their children’s needs and at the same time fulfil their official duties or work obligations around the city.
Since Shillong city caters to these two most important and other needs it becomes the ideal location to settle down permanently and people are willing to stay put in spite of the chronic traffic jams and congestion. If they can have an alternative location where these two conditions can be met I strongly feel they will settle there in huge numbers. Till date there is no such space.
The only option that comes to mind is the New Shillong Township which has a lot of potential to generate employment due to the existence of many Central and State government offices. But even this township does not have the most preferred, reputed and affordable educational institutions for school going children.
Hence, it is imperative that the government manages traffic jams and decongests the city by taking up these important measures.
Provide Assistance to at least four existing and reputed schools for establishment of their branches in New Shillong Township.
At present families who plan to move to New Shillong Township will have to send their children for education to reputed schools in Shillong city. They have to deal with traffic jams and longer distances. It is not easy for the parents and the school going children to endure this problem for a period of at least 10 to 15 years almost on a daily basis. This makes them hesitant to move to New Shillong Township.
Therefore, it is crucial that the government provides assistance to at least four of the established and reputed schools like St. Mary’s, St. Margaret, St. Edmund’s, St. Anthony’s, Loreto, KJP, Pine Mount, for purchase of land, building construction, teachers salary or any kind of help to assist them in establishing their branches in New Shillong Township. These schools have earned the trust of the public.
Once these schools start functioning, about 50% of the citizens will be willing to shift their place of residence, build their homes and settle permanently there. This will reduce congestion and traffic jam in Shillong city.
Another benefit is that there will be minimal resistance from state government employees who work in various offices like the Secretariat, Additional Secretariat, MPSC, DC office and others to shift their offices to New Shillong Township because they don’t have to worry about their young children’s education.
Construction of South Shillong ByPass from 5th Mile Upper Shillong to New Shillong Township
The State Government has constructed many roads and some are in the pipeline from the East, North and West sides of New Shillong Township but there is no significant road from the South side of the new city. Therefore, the Government should construct the South Shillong By Pass from 5th Mile Upper Shillong to New Shillong Township via Laitkor, Mawshbuit, Mawlynrei and Mawkasiang.
The South Shillong ByPass will reduce the travel time of the people who come to New Shillong Township from southern parts of East Khasi Hills, Sohra and West Khasi Hills for office work, education and transport of agricultural and horticultural products.
It will also open up business and tourism opportunities for many villages along the whole stretch of this road and adjacent tourism spots like the Sweet Falls, Ever Living Museum, Ka Iing Sad of the Syiem of Hima Khyrim, Jongksha, Laitlum, Nongjrong, Lum Shyllong and many beautiful hills and valleys in these areas.
I sincerely hope and pray that the Government will implement these suggestions to reduce traffic jam and congestion in Shillong city.
Yours etc.,
Sipulshon Kharbihkhiew
Shillong -1
Concern Over Unregulated Rise in Taxi Fares in Shillong
Editor,
I wish to draw attention to the continuous and uncalled-for rise in local taxi fares in Shillong, which has become a matter of concern since COVID-19 for many daily commuters, particularly students. During the lockdown period, the increase in fares was understandable due to restrictions on passenger capacity. However, even after normalcy has returned, these higher fares have not been revised. On the contrary, taxis are now accommodating five to six passengers while continuing to charge the elevated rates introduced during the pandemic.
This situation places an unfair financial burden on regular commuters. For students especially, the cost of daily travel has become increasingly difficult to manage. Paying around Rs 40 each day to commute to college may appear modest at first glance, but over time it accumulates into a significant expense, adding to the already rising cost of education and living.
In light of this, I request the concerned authorities to take practical steps to address the issue. Fixing standard fares for common routes and ensuring strict adherence through proper monitoring would help prevent overcharging. Regular inspections could further ensure compliance. Additionally, introducing more regulated shared taxi services with clearly defined and transparent pricing would make daily travel more affordable and equitable.
I respectfully urge the authorities to look into this matter and take necessary action so that fares remain reasonable and fair for both drivers and passengers.
I hope this issue receives the attention it deserves.
Yours etc.,
Pragya Chettri,
Shillong
