The National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) has announced the commencement of major repair and restructuring work on the deteriorating National Highway 6 (NH-6) in East Jaiñtia Hills, Meghalaya. The extensive repair work is set to begin in September, following the monsoon season, which has further worsened the condition of the highway.
The decision comes after a recent joint inspection by local authorities, including Santa Mary Shylla, Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) for the region, Shivansh Awasthi, Deputy Commissioner, and Giri Prasad, Superintendent of Police. The inspection was prompted by a massive landslide in the Kuliang area that brought vehicular movement to a standstill, leaving numerous commuters stranded and highlighting the urgent need for infrastructure repair on this crucial route.
NH-6 is a vital lifeline for the northeastern states of India, connecting Assam, Meghalaya, Mizoram, and Tripura. However, years of neglect have left the highway in a perilous state. The region’s challenging terrain, coupled with heavy rains that frequently trigger landslides, has made travel increasingly hazardous, raising serious concerns among locals and authorities.
In response to the landslide and the worsening condition of NH-6, NHAI Project Director Aanand Singh Chauhan stressed the urgency of the situation. He assured that major repair work would commence in September, with interim measures such as debris clearance and stabilization efforts already underway to ensure traffic can flow, albeit cautiously. Two excavators have been stationed along the most landslide-prone stretches of the highway to facilitate these efforts.
The upcoming repair work will focus on restoring the highway’s structural integrity, improving drainage systems, and reinforcing vulnerable sections prone to landslides. This comprehensive approach aims not only to repair existing damage but also to prevent future incidents that could disrupt traffic and endanger lives.
While NHAI’s announcement has brought some relief to the local population, who have long struggled with the highway’s poor condition, the true impact of the repair work will only be seen once it begins in September. Until then, travelers on NH-6 are advised to remain cautious and prepare for potential delays due to ongoing stabilization efforts.
