Garo Hills has always lagged behind, not only the country but also compared to Khasi-Jaiñtia Hills, when it comes to road infrastructure development.
While 2021 was no different, the announcements of major road construction projects as well as the ongoing work on roads across Garo Hills has definitely brought a smile to many people’s faces.
National Highway 51, connecting Paikan to Dalu via Tura is the main lifeline of the entire region, with communication to the most important town in the region, Tura, being of the utmost importance.
The highway saw partial repairs as well as widening between Jengjal to Rongram. While the road quality is still pliable, the fact that the entire route will be getting a complete makeover soon has brought hopes of a top quality route through Tura. Furthermore, the repair and renovation of the section between Tura and Dalu, albeit a little slow, has brightened the lives of many that live and use the road on a daily basis.
NH-62 connects Dudhnoi in Assam through Baghmara before ending at Karonggre near Dalu. The road has stuck out like a sore thumb for decades with repairs non-existent. While the route from Dudhnoi to Nongalbibra in South Garo Hills and a little beyond saw repairs being undertaken, other sections have been left to rot.
The little repair that the route saw last year has worn off and is once again turning into a nightmare for commuters. However, this route will also get a major facelift soon, though it may still take another four to five years. As per latest reports, survey of the route has been completed and the process of land acquisition is set to begin soon.
The Agia-Medhipara-Phulbari-Tura Road, commonly referred to as AMPT Road, is 150km of dust bowls that is a nightmare for anyone that is in any way connected to the route. In fact there are sections that are in such pathetic condition that even big lorries and buses frequently get stuck.
The road is the second busiest in the entire Garo Hills and has been a major pain for those that commute on it daily. The road begins about 15km from Tikrikilla and continues to Tura, about 150km away.
Other than a 35-40km stretch, the entire road is one filled with potholes the size of mini swimming pools. Locals say that it is difficult to find a road between the huge debris that clogs the route. On a positive note, though, this route is expected to be worked on soon through a World Bank project, though details on when the renovation will begin are hard to confirm for now.
The best road by a country mile is NH-44, which connects Jengjal, and by extension Tura, to the state capital Shillong. At more than 180km, this road is an example of how good roads can be built, though the numerous hairpin bends make travel a little uncomfortable. The best part is that despite more than three years since the road was first laid, very little repair has been required.
Rongram-Phulbari is another road that lies on an important route for traders, though the quality of the road has left a lot of people shying away from using what is the shortest way between Tura and Phulbari. It is filled with potholes and the hairpin bends ensure that travel time is extended. The road has seen no repairs, though the route is now going to be rebuilt by the state.
Other roads deserving of mention – whether good or bad – are the Garobadha-Dalu route, which was built by the same company that constructed NH-44 and is equally well-constructed with little repair work required; the AMPT Bypass through Selsella, which is currently being repaired; Asanang-Williamnagar, an old route that connects Tura to Williamnagar, though it is less used since NH-44 was completed; Damra-Bajengdoba, a horror road for the people of North Garo Hills, as the company tasked with improving it has not lifted a finger for a long time, evidenced by its sharp turns and gigantic potholes.
