The Umiam to Shillong stretch of National Highway 6 will remain two lanes with the government abandoning hope of turning it into a four-lane road because the plan is not financially viable.
Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong, who also holds charge of the Public Works Department, today said that the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd (NHIDCL) conducted a survey and found the project unviable.
“Instead, we will now enhance the existing double-lane road, expanding it to a 10-metre width including pavements,” Tynsong said following his meeting with NHIDCL officials in Delhi.
It was only in January this year that it was reported that the central government had okayed the four-lane project, which would employ a different alignment to the present road, specifically bypassing the Umiam Dam, which is a significant bottleneck.
Meanwhile, Tynsong informed that construction work on the Shillong-Dawki road is progressing steadily under the supervision of the NHIDCL, with instructions given to expedite work as per contractual timelines. “I’ve reviewed the progress and, though there are some weather-related challenges due to rain, I’m confident the project will meet the stipulated deadline of end-2026,” he said.
On the Western Bypass, he flagged land ownership disputes as a persistent hurdle. “Some individuals are claiming compensation without valid documents. I’ve directed all District Collectors to resolve such issues swiftly to ensure work isn’t hampered,” he stated. The Western Bypass, like the Shillong-Dawki Road, also has a completion target of 2026.
Regarding the proposed high speed corridor from Umiam to the Assam border, Tynsong said surveys are nearly complete in all four districts involved – Ri-Bhoi, East Khasi Hills, West Jaintia Hills and East Jaintia Hills. “District Collectors, along with NHIDCL, are working to finalise the centre line. Stakeholder meetings, including with landowners and traditional heads, have largely been completed,” he noted.
Tynsong also reviewed progress on the Tura-Dalu Bypass, informing that the respective DCs of Tura and Ampati are in the process of finalising the 3D land acquisition notification, following which the 3G notification will be issued.
Today’s review meetings were attended by officials from the NHIDCL, the PWD, and the Revenue and Forest Departments.
