SHILLONG: Deputy Chief Minister incharge PWD, Prestone Tynsong, who is also the local MLA of Pynursla, led a high-level joint inspection today to assess the severe damage along the Shillong–Dawki National Highway.
Accompanied by officials from the District Administration, the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL), PWD Roads, and the Disaster Management department, the Deputy Chief Minister inspected a massive landslide and a catastrophic road collapse that has completely cut off and closed the highway to all traffic.
The extensive damage occurred just ahead of the main Laitlyngkot village, specifically along the Laitlyngkot–Lyngkyrdem section at Chainage 25+200. Relentless heavy rainfall and overwhelming torrents of water severely eroded the terrain, washing away the entire stretch of the road and causing it to collapse entirely into the deep gorge below.
This heavily damaged section falls under Package 2 of the Shillong–Tamabil road project. Speaking from the site, Tynsong acknowledged that the permanent restoration and repair of this washed-out section will be a highly time-consuming process.
Consequently, the inspection team actively surveyed the area today to evaluate immediate alternative routes to temporarily restore connectivity for commuters traveling from Shillong to Pynursla, Dawki, and adjoining areas.
As a primary focus of the inspection, authorities are looking at immediately opening up an alternative route specifically for light, small vehicles to ease the travel crisis. Following their on-the-ground assessment, Tynsong noted that the government is strongly considering diverting traffic through Umthli, Iew Mawiong, and Nongthymmai to emerge at Parmaw.
Having personally traveled this specific route today, the Deputy Chief Minister stated that it appears viable and suitable to be utilized immediately, though it will strictly be limited to light, small vehicles and will not accommodate heavy vehicles. A final decision on implementing this diversion for small vehicles will be formalized during an upcoming official meeting.
In the interest of public safety and to avert any untoward incidents, the Deputy Commissioner of East Khasi Hills District, Abhilash Baranwal, issued an official order enforcing an immediate, total closure of the Shillong–Dawki road.
The highway remains strictly closed for all public and vehicular movement from Laitlyngkot village onwards with immediate effect and until further notice, as NHIDCL has informed authorities that rebuilding the washed-out section of the highway will require extensive restoration and repair work, which is expected to take a few days to complete.
Members of the public, including tourists, are strongly advised to completely avoid traveling along the Shillong–Dawki road beyond Laitlyngkot village while it remains shut. For those who must travel to Dawki, the administration has designated two alternative diversion routes.
Commuters can either take the Shillong–Sohra–Sohbar–Dawki route or the Shillong–Jowai–Amlarem–Dawki route. Travelers are further directed to strictly adhere to these diversions and follow all instructions issued by the police, traffic personnel, and highway officials on duty.
The administration has urged everyone to plan their journeys well in advance, factor in significant additional travel time, and cooperate fully with authorities to ensure smooth traffic management. The district administration has expressed sincere regret for the sudden inconvenience caused by the closure.
