By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, April 30: Although the Umiam Dam bypass is complete, the state government is yet to open the road for heavy vehicles, leaving trucks and night super buses stranded with limited transit options.
The bypass was designed to facilitate heavy traffic after authorities restricted movement over the Umiam Dam bridge following retrofitting work several years ago. Despite the road being ready, the delay in its opening has forced bus operators to use a lay-by near Umiam Lake or a parking lot near NEIGRIHMS.
This shift has left the Rs 40-crore Inter-State Bus Terminus (ISBT) at Mawiong largely defunct. Shopkeepers who opened businesses within the terminal have been forced to close due to the lack of passengers, and many are now calling for the ISBT to be made fully operational.
Currently, night super buses operating from the Umiam Lake lay-by lack basic facilities for both staff and passengers. It is reported that local authorities charge operators Rs 200 per bus daily, despite the lack of amenities. Passengers also face high costs and inconvenience, as they must travel to Umiam to board their buses.
In the absence of the bypass, many buses and trucks are taking a detour via the Mawdiandiang-Diengpasoh road to enter the city. Once the bypass is commissioned, heavy vehicles will be able to enter Shillong directly, significantly easing the current logistics hurdles.
