Shillong, Jul 17: An official implementing the Shillong-Dawki Road project has said that roadworks have been delayed due to limits placed on the movement of heavy vehicles.
Last month a chunk of the road near Laitlyngkot had collapsed as the earth supporting it had given away. The ground had apparently been weakened by water pouring down the hillside nearby during heavy rains.
“The work in package 5 (the 8km stretch from Umsyiem to Tamabil), which is beyond the damaged road section, has been hampered,” an official stated.
After the road collapse on the main route, to bypass the affected area authorities began use of an alternate temporary diversion.
This diversion routes light motor vehicles through Umthli, Iew Mawiong and Nongthymmai. It connects to an approach path that passes through a stone quarry owned by Khrikshon L Lyngkhoi at Laitkynsew.
According to officials, through this road only light vehicles can pass through.
Officials also stated that they wanted the termination of the contract with the particular contractor implementing the package where the road collapsed.
According to authorities, terminating a contract is not that easy process and therefore if the particular contractor wants to continue he has to submit an undertaking that the package will have to be completed immediately in a time bound manner.
“But the issue is even if they submit an undertaking on the site it does not reflect their commitment and ultimately the local people will suffer,” an official stated.
Sources also informed that IIT Guwahati will study the cause of the collapse near Laitlyngkot. Authorities said that once the monsoon subsides the process will be carried out as it is not safe to conduct the tests now. Officials also informed that a plan is being prepared for immediate restoration work.
A temporary bailey bridge might not be feasible as these are able to bear the weight of heavy vehicles for 60m at the most but the gap in the highway section is around 80m.
Authorities said that the cause for the collapse of the road could be due to heavy rainfall, since boulders came down the hills and blocked the culverts. To prevent such incidents in the future all outlets near culverts have to be channelised properly.
