Nongpoh/SHILLONG, May 13: Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong on Wednesday inaugurated the newly constructed bridge and approach road at Umiam.
It will facilitate the movement of heavy vehicles which are not allowed to use the old Umiam dam bridge as it has been undergoing repairs for the past few years.
Among those present were Umroi MLA Damanbait Lamare, Commissioner and Secretary of PWD Sanjay Goyal, East Khasi Hills Deputy Commissioner RM Kurbah, PWD Chief Engineer WR Lyngdoh, East Khasi Hills Superintendent of Police Vivek Syiem, Ri Bhoi Superintendent of Police Giri Prasad, Ri Bhoi Additional Deputy Commissioner Balakyntiew Rani and other officials.
The new bridge and road were built at a cost of Rs 23 crore under the Special Assistance to State Capital Investment scheme.
Addressing a gathering, Tynsong said the opening of the new bridge and road will greatly benefit commercial vehicles and buses, particularly heavy vehicles, travelling towards Shillong.
He said vehicular movement through the new route will commence from May 15, adding that vehicles permitted under the regulations issued by the office of the East Khasi Hills Deputy Commissioner will be allowed to use the road. He urged commuters to strictly adhere to the guidelines.
Tynsong further stated that the state government, in its 2025–26 budget, has earmarked over Rs 2,400 crore from the state plan excluding external aided programme for the construction and improvement of roads across the state, with several projects expected to be implemented soon.
On the expansion of the road from Lad Umiam to Shillong, he said the state PWD has already handed over the matter to the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) for implementation.
He further said that the government’s objective is to develop a four-lane road from Lad Umiam to Shillong. However, if that is not feasible, a two-lane road of adequate standard would be constructed to ease traffic congestion and improve connectivity for commuters. He added that state officials are expected to hold a meeting with NHIDCL authorities in New Delhi soon to take a final decision on the project.
While truck drivers and bus operators have welcomed the opening of the new road, concerns have emerged regarding its narrow width, alignment, and restricted plying hours.
The new route allows night super buses to operate directly from the ISBT at Mawiong instead of the lay-by near Umiam. It also enables trucks carrying essential items to enter Shillong directly, bypassing the longer route via the Shillong Bypass.
However, stakeholders remain wary of the road’s physical constraints. “We have to see how massive buses and trucks will navigate such a narrow and hilly road, even though this connectivity was a vital need,” one operator said.
Further concerns were raised regarding the restricted plying window for commercial vehicles, currently set between 9 pm and 7 am.
