SHILLONG, July 10: Commercial establishments, including eateries and dhabas, operating illegally within the Right of Way (ROW) of the National Highway between 3rd Mile and 7th Mile in Upper Shillong have been ordered to dismantle and remove their structures within 15 days.
The order, issued by the Office of the East Khasi Hills Deputy Commissioner on June 30, warned that failure to comply with the directive would lead to removal of the structures by the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) and the Public Works Department (PWD). It is pertinent to note that the directive follows a Supreme Court order in Suo Motu Writ Petition (Civil) No. 9 of 2025 concerning national highway safety.
According to the district administration’s order, the apex court has prohibited the construction and operation of any new dhaba, eatery or commercial structure within the ROW of national highways.
The DC’s directive is significant as the 3rd Mile to 7th Mile stretch of the national highway has several roadside commercial establishments, particularly eateries and dhabas.
