Shillong, Jun 9: Cabinet Minister and Amlarem MLA Lahkmen Rymbui has acknowledged that the ongoing work on the Shillong-Dawki Road has caused disruptions to tourism activities and affected the livelihoods of people dependent on the sector in Dawki, Mawlynnong and surrounding areas.
Speaking to reporters today, Rymbui said that the project has created temporary challenges but is a critical investment in Meghalaya’s future development. He stressed that a thriving tourism industry requires robust infrastructure, including quality roads, communication facilities and other essential services.
The long-term gains would outweigh the short-term inconvenience faced by residents and visitors, he assured while appealing to the public to remain patient and expressing confidence that the project is progressing steadily and would be completed within a reasonable timeframe.
He also drew attention to the difficult terrain through which the road passes, noting that several stretches are susceptible to landslides, particularly during periods of heavy rainfall. Given these conditions, he said safety must remain a top priority during execution of the project.
Rymbui further observed that there have been fatalities linked to the construction work and urged the agencies concerned to ensure strict adherence to safety protocols even as efforts continue to speed up completion of the highway.
Commenting on Shillong’s persistent traffic congestion, the minister said snarls are not unique to the state capital but are a common issue faced by hill cities across the world.
To tackle the growing problem, he said the government has initiated and proposed several infrastructure measures, including the Shillong Western Bypass, projects to connect Polo and New Shillong Township (NST), as well as improved road links between the Shillong-Jowai route and NST.
He identified land acquisition as one of the primary obstacles to road expansion within Shillong and said the planned development of NST would play a crucial role in easing pressure on the city in the years ahead.
While projects such as ring roads and bypasses are important components of the solution, Rymbui stressed that public cooperation and responsible civic behaviour are equally necessary to improve traffic management in the capital.
