By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Nov 6: While the Shillong-Dawki road will take some more time before its completion, the deplorable condition of the under-construction stretch continues to pose serious challenges for commuters.
Package 1 of the road, from Shillong to Upper Shillong, is expected to be completed by December this year, while the remaining packages are likely to be finished by next December.
However, the present state of the road — which has been under construction for quite some time — urgently requires temporary repairs to ease the difficulties faced by travellers.
Regular commuters have voiced strong concerns over the poor condition of this crucial road. “Once you ride a bike on this road, you’ll be covered in dust,” said a frequent traveller.
Along the stretch from Rilbong to Umtyngar, several portions are badly damaged and need at least temporary repairs.
The road remains bumpy and unsafe in many areas even as construction work continues in patches.
A drive along the road on Thursday revealed that the pace of work remains slow, with very few labourers seen at various construction points. Much of the current focus appears to be on structural work such as building drains and culverts. “If you travel on this road, you’re bound to get a backache and a dust bath,” said another commuter, urging authorities to take urgent measures.
Daily travellers have been enduring the dust and bad road conditions for years and are now seeking faster completion of the remaining work to ease their commute.
When contacted, sources from the NHIDCL sought the public’s cooperation for just a couple of months more, as Package 1 is nearing completion. It was informed that the contractor has been directed to complete this section by December 31, 2025.
Meanwhile, in view of ongoing road-cutting work near Rhododendron Trek Road and Gorkha School, Upper Shillong, the road will remain closed to vehicular traffic from 11:00 PM on November 8 to 5:00 AM on November 9, 2025. Commuters are advised to take the Laitkor–Pomlakrai–5th Mile, Upper Shillong route as an alternative.
Furthermore, the road will remain closed to Heavy Motor Vehicles (HMVs) during daytime hours on November 9, 2025, though emergency service vehicles will be allowed to ply.
