SHILLONG: State Cabinet Minister Lahkmen Rymbui has acknowledged that the ongoing construction of the Shillong-Tamabil highway has adversely affected tourism in the Dawki region.
However, he urged citizens to remain patient, emphasizing that long-term tourism growth is impossible without high-quality road infrastructure.
Addressing the travel disruptions faced by visitors heading towards Dawki, Lahkmen Rymbui remarked that Meghalaya is an inherently beautiful state, and both the State and Central governments are working tirelessly to promote its tourism sector. He reiterated that tourism cannot truly flourish without adequate and well-maintained roads.
The Minister expressed his gratitude to the Government of India for funding the Shillong-Tamabil road project, where construction is actively underway. While acknowledging that the current work has disrupted local tourism and temporarily impacted the livelihoods of the public, he appealed for community trust and patience. He expressed hope that the contractors and managing agencies would expedite and complete the project as quickly as possible.
Rymbui further noted that the construction has heavily impacted the Dawki and Mawlynnong circuits, areas that become particularly vulnerable to heavy rainfall and subsequent landslides. Consequently, he stressed that strict safety measures are absolutely necessary, especially since lives have unfortunately been lost during the course of this road project.
He reminded that it is the direct responsibility of the Sub-divisional Magistrate to oversee and implement all safety protocols, just as it is the government’s duty to ensure the highway construction is completed within the stipulated timeframe.
Turning to the severe traffic congestion plaguing Shillong city, Lahkmen Rymbui pointed out that traffic gridlocks are a common challenge faced by hill stations across the globe, making it crucial to find effective solutions. To resolve this, he highlighted that the government has planned the Shillong Bypass and the Western Bypass.
Additionally, the Meghalaya government is preparing to construct a flyover from Polo to New Shillong Township, alongside acquiring land to construct a direct connecting road from the Jowai-Shillong highway straight into New Shillong.
The Minister explained that these initiatives represent the practical steps being taken by the administration. He added that if the government successfully secures the required land, it stands ready to widen roads, though expanding into a 4-lane highway from the Rhino Point Junction poses unique spatial challenges.
He clarified that land availability constraints are not unique to Meghalaya but are experienced by hilly terrains worldwide, which is why constructing bypasses serves as an ideal solution.
Crucially, Rymbui stated that under the leadership of the Chief Minister, the government has firmly resolved to develop the New Shillong Township exactly as envisioned.
He expressed great satisfaction with the ongoing progress of the New Shillong Township project, assuring that all necessary resources and support are being mobilized to ensure its successful implementation.
