M’laya HC directs state, NHAI to improve Shillong-Jowai road

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaDecember 15, 2021

The Meghalaya High Court on Wednesday directed the state government and the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) to come up with a long-term plan to improve the condition of the Shillong-Jowai road.

In its order pertaining to PIL filed on the matter, the division bench, which comprises Chief Justice Sanjib Banerjee and Justice W Diengdoh, has directed the state government and NHAI to ensure that the long term repair-work, apart from the patchwork undertaken now, is planned out as expeditiously as possible to ensure the free flow of traffic along the route.

It also asked the state government to file a report with photographs when the matter appears next, a week after the vacation.

“Both the State and NHAI should indicate the long-term plan to improve the condition of the Shillong – Jowai Road when the matter appears next. List on February 4, 2022,” the bench said.

During the hearing, it was submitted on behalf of the state that despite adequate funds not being released for the purpose by the Union, the state has gone ahead with the repair-work of the Shillong – Jowai road, which is a part of NH-6, to ensure that the smooth movement of traffic along the vital route is not interrupted.

It was further informed that a substantial part of the work is complete and that the remainder of the repair-work will be finished by December 20, 2021.