Road collapse: Govt proposes temporary diversion to restore Shillong-Dawki link

SHILLONG, June 22: The Meghalaya government is considering opening a temporary diversion route to restore connectivity along the Shillong, Pynursla and Dawki corridor, as a major portion of the Shillong-Tamabil Road was washed away near Laitlyngkot following incessant rainfall.
Officials of the National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) informed the state government that restoration of the damaged stretch is likely to take considerable time.
Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong on Monday inspected the affected site along with officials from the East Khasi Hills district administration, NHIDCL, Public Works Department (Roads) and other concerned agencies.
The road collapsed below the Umpareit bridge under Package-II of the ongoing Shillong-Tamabil Road project, disrupting a vital route connecting Shillong to Pynursla, Dawki and the international trade corridor with Bangladesh.
Tynsong said that the damage was extensive and immediate restoration would not be possible. As a temporary measure, the government is exploring alternative routes to ease the inconvenience faced by commuters.
According to Tynsong, the government is examining the feasibility of a diversion through Umthli, Iew Mawiong and Nongthymmai, which would connect to an approach road passing through the stone quarry area owned by Khrikshon L Lyngkhoi at Laitkynsew before rejoining the main road beyond the collapsed section. However, the proposed diversion is expected to be used only by light motor vehicles, while heavy commercial vehicles may continue to face restrictions until the damaged road is restored.
The inspection team first assessed the collapsed stretch near Laitlyngkot before travelling through Umthli village to inspect the affected area from the opposite side and evaluate possible alternative alignments.
After the site visit, Tynsong chaired a review meeting at the Inspection Bungalow in Laitlyngkot with officials from the district administration, NHIDCL and PWD to discuss immediate measures and formulate a response plan.
During the meeting, officials deliberated on the temporary restriction of vehicular and pedestrian movement in the affected area due to the risk posed by the collapsed road, falling rocks and continuing landslides.
The road collapse raised concerns among local residents, who alleged that construction debris, stones and earth dumped near the bridge had obstructed the natural flow of a stream. They claimed that the blockage caused rainwater to accumulate and overflow, eventually eroding the embankment and washing away the road.
During the visit, Tynsong was accompanied by Sohra MLA Gavin Mylliem, East Khasi Hills Deputy Commissioner Abhilash Baranwal, Commissioner and Secretary of Revenue and Disaster Management Matsiewdor War Nongbri, officials of National Highways Authority of India and representatives of the company executing the Shillong-Dawki Road project.