Meghalaya’s East Khasi Hills district authorities issued an urgent advisory on Tuesday, announcing partial road closures on the Laitlyngkot-Lyngkyrdem stretch of the Shillong-Dawki highway due to heightened landslide risks amid ongoing heavy rainfall. The restrictions, effective from August 20 to August 31, will close the stretch daily from noon to 4 pm and from 9 pm to 4 am, severely impacting tourists planning visits to popular destinations like Mawlynnong, Asia’s cleanest village, Dawki, Shnongpdeng, and Darrang.
The closure is a partial modification of a July advisory, with authorities indicating that timings may be relaxed after a review at the end of August. Commuters are urged to exercise extreme caution, avoid non-essential travel during heavy rain or at night, and prioritize safety due to the road’s vulnerability. The Shillong-Dawki highway, a critical tourism and trade route, has been under construction by the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) with funding from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). However, delays due to weather, terrain, and land acquisition issues have extended the project timeline to December 2026.
The road’s dangers were underscored earlier this month when a tragic accident near Rngain saw a car plunge into a 70-foot gorge, killing five people, including a pregnant woman and a toddler. Following the incident, the Meghalaya government ordered NHIDCL to install proper safety signage and directed the Public Works Department (PWD) to identify accident-prone areas. Despite these measures, recurring landslides and poor road conditions continue to disrupt traffic, especially during the monsoon season.
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The state’s Disaster Management department has deployed emergency response teams and earth-moving equipment along critical stretches, with signboards and barriers set up in unstable areas. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasts continued heavy rainfall in Meghalaya, further elevating landslide risks on this hilly, fragile route. Local businesses and tourism operators are feeling the impact, with transport unions reporting increased vehicle damage and safety concerns for drivers. Authorities have advised tourists and commuters to explore alternative routes or postpone travel until conditions improve, emphasizing safety over convenience.
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