By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, June 4: The National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) has decided to engage IIT Guwahati to conduct a detailed investigation and recommend appropriate road widening options at vulnerable locations along the Shillong-Dawki highway, the High Court of Meghalaya was informed on Wednesday.
A report submitted by the NHIDCL through Deputy Solicitor General of India, N. Mozika, stated that the decision followed recommendations made by hill road expert Ashish D. Gharpure. The NHIDCL informed the court that a letter was sent to IIT Guwahati on May 27, and a response is awaited.
The report was placed before the division bench of Chief Justice Revati Mohite Dere and Justice W. Diengdoh pursuant to the court’s directions issued on May 18 regarding road safety measures on the highway.
Regarding road safety signage, the NHIDCL informed the court that the contractor has installed road safety signs in construction zones according to the IRC-67 guidelines. Additional road signs, retro-reflective tapes, and delineators are also being installed where required.
The NHIDCL said photographs and further details will be submitted on the next date of hearing. The report also stated that the NHIDCL directed the contractor to install strong physical barricades equipped with reflectors and reflective tapes at vulnerable locations. The contractor has informed the NHIDCL that metal beam crash barriers have been procured and will be installed shortly.
On road maintenance, the NHIDCL stated that the contractor is regularly clearing landslide debris and slush from road surfaces and providing granular sub-base material to restore safe traffic conditions despite recurring landslides in the area.
Concerning traffic management, the NHIDCL informed the court that the contractor has been directed to deploy trained flagmen with communication devices and high-visibility gear at active construction sites to regulate traffic.
The court sought a compliance report on the matter.
The court also reviewed the issue of ambulance deployment along the project stretch.
The NHIDCL informed the court that it requested the state government to allocate one of the 10 ambulances handed over by the NHIDCL in July 2021. The corporation further stated that if no ambulance is made available, it will procure a new ambulance and hand it over to the district administration for deployment at the site.
The court observed that it would be advisable for the NHIDCL to provide a new ambulance within four weeks.
The court also sought information regarding students affected by the relocation of a school at Mawlieh village and directed an NHIDCL officer to visit the school and submit a report.
The matter has been listed for further hearing on June 24. The NHIDCL has also been directed to provide data on the approximate number of vehicles passing through the area daily and the purpose of their movement.
