Shillong, Apr 27: Raising serious concerns over road safety, Voice of the People Party (VPP) MDC Shemborlang Rynjah has sought urgent intervention from Union Minister Nitin Gadkari regarding hazardous conditions along the Shillong–Pynursla–Dawki road.
In a letter dated April 25, Rynjah stated that ongoing road widening works have led to a sharp rise in accidents along the stretch, with at least 10 fatalities reported since 2023 due to landslides, falling boulders and unsafe conditions.
Representing the Lyngkyrdem–Laitkroh constituency in East Khasi Hills, he described the route as a vital lifeline connecting Shillong to Dawki, as well as a key corridor for both residents and tourists.
Citing recent incidents, Rynjah referred to media reports of two persons being killed after a landslide near Mawlieh crushed their vehicle with massive boulders.
“Notably, since 2023 till date, at least ten lives have been lost in accidents along this stretch due to landslides and related hazards,” he said.
The MDC highlighted that the road also connects major tourist destinations such as Shnongpdeng and Mawlynnong, warning that deteriorating road conditions and frequent disruptions are affecting tourism, local livelihoods and the region’s image.
He further pointed out the impact on emergency services, stating that delays caused by unsafe conditions have put lives at risk, particularly during medical emergencies.
Rynjah alleged that the situation reflects systemic lapses in safety compliance, citing violations of the Motor Vehicles Act, Indian Road Congress norms and standard work-zone safety protocols. Among the key issues raised were the lack of warning signage, reflectors and crash barriers in high-risk zones, poorly managed diversions, increased landslide risks due to unscientific hill-cutting, absence of real-time monitoring, and lack of accountability among contractors and implementing agencies.
“The continued exposure of commuters to such hazardous conditions may amount to gross negligence and constitutes a serious violation of the Right to Life guaranteed under Article 21 of the Constitution of India,” he stated.
In his appeal, Rynjah urged the Ministry to order an independent road safety audit of the entire stretch and to implement immediate corrective measures. These include installation of crash barriers and slope stabilisation systems, improved signage and lighting, stricter accountability for contractors — including agencies such as National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited — deployment of monitoring teams, enhanced emergency response mechanisms, regulation of high-risk construction during adverse weather, and expedited completion of the project.
“While infrastructure development is essential, it cannot come at the cost of human lives. The repeated loss of lives on this critical stretch demands urgent and decisive action,” Rynjah said, seeking the Union Minister’s personal intervention to ensure commuter safety.
