By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Sep 18: The National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) on Thursday assured the Federation of Khasi Jaintia and Garo People (FKJGP), Upper Shillong circle, that the four-laning of the stretch from Umshyrpi to Baniun, Mylliem, under the Shillong-Dawki project, will be completed by the end of December or by January 2026.
A delegation led by FKJGP Upper Shillong circle president Kitboklang Nongphlang had called on the NHIDCL general manager to press for speedy completion of the project to ease the daily commute of the public. The federation also demanded that the Upper Shillong stretch be given priority.
During the meeting, the FKJGP called for urgent repairs to several damaged stretches causing severe traffic congestion, particularly on Mondays, Fridays and Saturdays. The areas identified include Umshyrpi to Ladlummawbah, Sawmer near Sunny Site, the road towards Mawklot and Lum Shyllong, Hynniew Mer near Elephant Falls, the Pomlum road near the PHC and the Baniun stretch leading to Mylliem.
Nongphlang said the federation is deeply concerned that traffic jams could affect students preparing for examinations in the coming months.
According to Nongphlang, the NHIDCL general manager has assured the delegation that instructions would be issued to contractors to take immediate corrective measures and also agreed to conduct a joint inspection with FKJGP leaders.
Nongphlang further demanded that NHIDCL ensure all migrant workers engaged in the project possess valid documents, warning of the risk that evicted persons from Assam could attempt to settle in the Upper Shillong area as daily wage labourers. The NHIDCL general manager assured cooperation on this matter. The FKJGP leader also urged the various Dorbar Shnongs to remain vigilant and work together in monitoring the influx of outsiders and curbing anti-social activities such as theft and drug abuse, not only in Upper Shillong but across Khasi and Jaintia Hills and the state.
Nongphlang also appealed to the residents to remain alert and extend cooperation to maintain peace and security in the region.
