By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Feb 27: Members from the opposition and treasury benches on Friday raised serious concerns over increasing traffic congestion in Shillong and adjoining areas, urging the government to expedite road widening, develop alternative routes, and improve pedestrian infrastructure along key highway stretches.
Raising the issue during Question Hour on the final day of the Budget session, VPP legislator from Mawlai, Brightstarwell Marbaniang, was specific about National Highway 6. He highlighted the increasing traffic pressure in Shillong and sought details about the right-of-way between Umiam Bridge and Mawlai Petrol Pump.
He also sought to know the scope for expansion, particularly along the stretch from Lad Umroi to Rilbong, where widening remains challenging due to congestion and land constraints. He asked whether there is a Detailed Project Report (DPR) for widening and whether provisions for footpaths, streetlights and foot-over bridges would be included.
Marbaniang further raised concerns over frequent congestion at the ISBT junction and asked whether the Public Works Department is planning improvements at the intersection. He suggested exploring alternative connectivity from Mawiong near the North-Eastern Hill University boundary to Jingkieng Umsohlang to ease traffic load on the main corridor.
The VPP’s Nongkrem MLA, Ardent Miller Basaiawmoit, raised the issue of encroachment along the right-of-way, stating that land acquired for highways is often obstructed by unauthorised occupation, making widening difficult not only on this stretch but across several roads in the state. He sought details on measures being taken to prevent further encroachments.
UDP legislator from Mawkyrwat, Renikton Lyngdoh Tongkhar, suggested the construction of an alternative road from Mawlai via Sunapani towards Umshyrpi Bridge, stating that such a route would significantly reduce congestion within Shillong.
The NPP’s Umsning MLA, Celestine Lyngdoh, emphasised the urgent need for pedestrian infrastructure, including foot over-bridges at Byrnihat, Nongpoh, and Umsning in Ri Bhoi district. He also raised the issue of incomplete connectivity near the Umsning bypass and asked whether the state government would provide funds if assistance from the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways is delayed.
Replying to the concerns, Deputy Chief Minister in charge of PWD, Prestone Tynsong, informed the House that the government has initiated several steps to address traffic congestion and improve road infrastructure.
He said the condition of NH-6 from Jorabat to Mihmyntdu via the Shillong bypass is generally good, except for the Sonapur-Ratacherra stretch, where improvement works are ongoing, and clarified that no portion of NH-6 passes through Mawlai.
Tynsong said that the stretch of NH-106 from Lad Umroi to the connecting point towards Shillong has already been handed over to the National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) for upgrading.
He said the government initially examined the feasibility of constructing an elevated corridor along the stretch to decongest traffic, but technical surveys conducted by NHIDCL found the proposal unviable.
The deputy chief minister stated that the government is examining two alternatives—the development of a four-lane greenfield project with a new alignment and the widening of the existing road into a standard two-lane corridor with a 12-metre right-of-way.
“Once the detailed survey is completed and the most viable option is finalised, widening will certainly take place,” he said, adding that the project is being prioritised due to heavy traffic movement into and out of Shillong. Tynsong also said that negotiations are underway with landowners to improve the ISBT junction, which remains a major bottleneck.
On the issue of encroachments, he admitted that challenges exist in certain stretches where even the construction of footpaths has faced resistance from landowners. He said the district administration has been directed to take necessary steps to remove illegal encroachments along the right-of-way.
Responding to suggestions for alternative routes, he said the proposed greenfield alignment would help bypass existing congested stretches and that the government is open to examining additional diversion roads wherever land is available.
On the demand for foot over-bridges and connectivity works in Ri Bhoi district, Tynsong said the stretch from Jorabat to Lad Umroi is being handled by the National Highways Authority of India, which has submitted estimates to the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways for necessary approvals. He assured that if central funding is delayed, the state government will examine possible solutions to address the issue.
