On February 24, the Meghalaya high court ordered the concerned authorities to provide timelines for the completion of two important roads in Shillong and the surrounding areas to alleviate traffic congestion.

Shillong-Western Bypass and Shillong-Diengpasoh road are the two roads.

The division bench stated in its order issued while hearing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by the High Court of Meghalaya Bar Association that all authorities must put their heads together and indicate the timelines for completion with milestones, if possible.

The state first passes the buck to the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL), according to the court.

Although the National Highways Authority of India Act, 1956 contains a mechanism for the acquisition of land, settlement of disputes, and payment of compensation – complete with arbitration – it appears that both the NHAI and the NHIDCL have washed their hands in respect of the land acquisition.

The state has informed the petitioner that the acquisition process for the Shillong Western Bypass has begun, although the petitioner has submitted that no detailed project report (DPR) has been prepared for the purpose.

The state also claims that a third of the construction on the Shillong-Diengpasoh road has already been completed.

Both roads are critical for relieving Shillong and the surrounding areas of daily traffic congestion and toxic fumes.

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