SHILLONG : The washed-away stretch of the Shillong-Dawki road is expected to become operational within a week as construction of a subway at the damaged section enters its final stage, Deputy Chief Minister in-charge of PWD (Roads) Prestone Tynsong said on Wednesday.
Speaking to reporters, Tynsong said the state government has directed the National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) and the executing agency to speed up the work, which is currently being carried out round the clock.
“The major issue is the portion where the road was washed away. NHIDCL and the company executing the project have been instructed to construct a subway at the site,” Tynsong said.
He expressed satisfaction with the progress, stating that the project is nearing completion.
“I am happy to inform you that the subway is almost at the final stage. Work is continuing day and night, and I am hopeful that within one week’s time we will be able to make the Shillong-Dawki road operational again,” he said.
The Deputy Chief Minister added that he remains in regular contact with the district administration, including the Deputy Commissioner, Sub-Divisional Officer (Civil), and officials from the Public Works Department to closely monitor the progress.
Tynsong clarified that the Shillong-Dawki road project is being implemented by the Government of India through NHIDCL under the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, and is not directly under the state government’s control.
However, he said the Meghalaya government is extending full cooperation to ensure smooth execution of the work.
“From our side, the state government and the state PWD are working closely with NHIDCL. Whenever there are challenges or sensitive issues, the district administration steps in to resolve them. We have impressed upon NHIDCL to ensure the work progresses satisfactorily and is completed at the earliest,” he said.
The reopening of the Shillong-Dawki road is expected to restore normal connectivity between Shillong and Dawki, a key tourist destination and an important trade route along the India-Bangladesh border.