MSPB directs NHIDCL to speed up completion of Umshyrpi-7th Mile stretch of Shillond-Dawki road project

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaAugust 19, 2025

The Meghalaya State Planning Board (MSPB) has directed the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) and contractors to accelerate the completion of the four-lane road from Umshyrpi to 7th Mile, Upper Shillong. This stretch is part of the Shillong-Dawki road project.

The direction was issued on Tuesday following a site inspection conducted by MSPB Chairman Metbah Lyngdoh, accompanied by board members and officials from the PWD and NHIDCL. 

Speaking to media persons after the inspection, Lyngdoh expressed concern over the project’s slow progress, citing the difficulties faced by daily commuters, particularly those from West Khasi Hills, South West Khasi Hills, Eastern West Khasi Hills, and parts of East Khasi Hills.

“People are facing major challenges travelling from 7th Mile, Upper Shillong upto Anjalee petrol pump as it takes them 1 – 2 hours. We feel it is a matter of concern that people have to spend alot of time travelling this stretch of the road especially in times of emergencies,” he said while adding “I also keep on travelling through this road to Mairang on a daily basis and I am also facing the same problem in reaching destination.”

On the delay to complete the bypass at 3rd Mile, Upper Shillong, he informed that the inspection revealed that contractors are facing hurdles, including issues related to shifting pipes, which will take another two months to resolve.

“The contractors have assured that they will complete the bypass within two months and open it to traffic,” Lyngdoh said.

The chairman of the board also noted that the quality of work on some retaining walls is not up to the mark. 

Specifically, the retaining wall near Umshyrpi bridge is tilting, raising technical concerns. PWD officials have reportedly flagged these issues with the contractor and NHIDCL, he stated.

The project is targeted for completion by December 2025. MSPB has asked NHIDCL to submit the schedule of the completion of work, emphasizing the need for timely completion to alleviate the daily hardships faced by commuters.

“We have stressed that the project should be completed at the earliest as it has created alot of problem to the people of the state on a daily basis,” Lyngdoh stated.