Shillong-Dawki road collapse aftermath
SHILLONG, June 25: Vehicular traffic moved smoothly on Thursday through a temporary alternative route connecting Laitlyngkot, Iew Mawiong, Umthli, Nongthymmai, and Laitkynsew, a day after the diversion was opened following a major cave-in on the Shillong-Dawki road.
The National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) indicated that restoration of the damaged stretch near Laitlyngkot would take time due to the extent of the collapse caused by heavy rainfall. The cave-in, located below the Umpareit bridge, has disrupted connectivity between Shillong, Pynursla, and Dawki, affecting the international trade corridor with Bangladesh.
Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong, who inspected the site on Monday with officials from the East Khasi Hills district administration and the PWD (Roads), acknowledged that immediate restoration was not feasible. Consequently, the government moved to establish alternative routes to mitigate public inconvenience.
The diversion utilises an approach road passing through a stone quarry owned by Khrikshon L Lyngkhoi at Laitkynsew. The FKJGP Riwar Mihngi Circle expressed gratitude to Lyngkhoi for allowing the use of the private road, noting that the gesture ensures the continued movement of essential commodities and access for emergency services. Pynursla Sub-Divisional Officer Gautam Warjri issued a public notice clarifying that the temporary route is restricted to light motor vehicles. To facilitate ongoing construction, the road will remain closed daily from 10 am to 4 pm and from 10 pm to 5 am.
Additionally, the diversion via Laitlyngkot-Pomlum is restricted to light and medium vehicles, while the Pomlum-Mawlieh stretch remains open to all categories, including heavy vehicles. Movement from both ends of the affected stretch is permitted only until 10:30 am each day before construction activities resume.
