Shillong MP Vincent H Pala and four MPs from Assam, Tripura and Mizoram have jointly sought urgent repair and widening of the dilapidated National Highway 6.
The MPs in a letter to Union Minister Nitin Gadkari apprised him about the deteriorating condition of the road on how it is causing immense inconvenience and threat to the safety of the people.
“Despite being a vital lifeline connecting these states, the road has not seen substantial repair or maintenance in the past year, leading to a cascade of problems, including increased travel time, accidents, and disruptions in the transportation of essential goods,” the MPs said.
The parliamentarians said the route has also caused exponential increase in traffic, primarily due to mining activities in Meghalaya and the growing economic interdependence between the states connected by NH 6.
They also sought widening of the road to six lane stating that the existing two-lane is no longer sufficient to accommodate the surge in traffic, leading to traffic congestion that delays and has considerable negative impact on the local economy. “Expansion will be crucial in facilitating economic growth and connectivity in the region,” the MPs added.
Further, they said the government must also commit to regular and periodic maintenance to ensure the longevity and safety of the crucial highway.
It may be mentioned that the Meghalaya High Court has also expressed concern over the dreadful condition of NH 6 and that there has been colossal inaction by the National Highway Authority of India NHAI.
“The present condition is totally unacceptable, monsoon or otherwise, the court had said and sought an explanation from the NHAI why the North East “has to suffer such colossal inaction.”
Meanwhile, the Khasi Students Union East Jaiñtia Hills unit will go ahead with its planned “sleep-in” protest on September 25. The union has also appealed citizens of neighbouring states – Assam, Mizoram, Tripura, and Manipur – to avoid travelling on NH 6 starting 7:00 pm on September 25 to 5:00 am until the demands are met.
However, essential services such as ambulances, central forces, and other emergency vehicles will face no hindrances and will operate smoothly during this period, the KSU said.
