Shillong, Apr 28: Deputy Chief Minister in-charge of PWD (Roads), Prestone Tynsong, said the Detailed Project Report for the Shillong-Dawki road was prepared based on the terrain, soil conditions, and topography of each section.
The NHIDCL engaged experts and consultants to carry out preliminary investigations before completing the DPR.
Tynsong explained that some stretches of the project are unavoidable. Once digging began, challenges emerged because the road is narrow, widening scope is limited, and deep gorges line the route.
Considering these factors, NHIDCL and PWD instructed the district administration to implement safety measures across all construction sites.With the rainy season underway, several sensitive areas have led to traffic closures.
“Now it is more than one week we have closed down for the safety of the people,” Tynsong said.
He added that the road reopened Tuesday morning after digging in Mawlieh, but a landslide occurred soon after near Laitlyngkot. Clearing work is in progress.
“This will keep happening but the district administration has already reminded the public to be careful while travelling through this road while construction is going on,” he said.
Tynsong urged travellers to remain cautious during the monsoon. He advised residents from Pynursla to Dawki to avoid unnecessary travel to Shillong, or vice versa, during the rains except in unavoidable cases, and only during daytime.
“I assure the public we would like to complete this project as early as possible,” he said, adding that once finished, travel time will reduce and benefit local residents.
He noted that landslides during construction are unavoidable and has directed NHIDCL and consultants to regularly monitor and survey sites to identify unsafe portions for immediate action.
The targeted completion date is 2027, and Tynsong said he is confident the timeline will be met.
“The only issue is incidents that occur during monsoons. During blasting the vibration is so huge and ultimately the surface soil tends to flow, which is beyond the help of technical experts,” he said.
Meanwhile, the authorities announced that the Laitlyngkot-Langkyrdem stretch (chainage kms 24+00 – 37+00) will be closed daily from 10:30am to 3pm and then from 9pm to 4am, effective Tuesday.
