Meghalaya State Planning Board to Form Expert Panel for Comprehensive Traffic Solutions in Shillong

Shillong, Oct 6: In a recent meeting chaired by Meghalaya State Planning Board (MSPB) Chairman Metbah Lyngdoh, significant steps were discussed to address the escalating traffic congestion in Shillong City. The meeting, held on Friday, focused on compiling detailed presentations from various departments, including Urban Affairs, Transport, and Public Works Department (PWD), regarding their ongoing projects and strategies to alleviate traffic issues.

“This is a continuous process. We are compiling presentations from different departments related to traffic congestion in Shillong City,” said Lyngdoh. He highlighted that the MSPB has already met with the Urban Department and Home Police, and was in discussions with the Transport and PWD Departments to understand their plans and progress.

The chairman acknowledged the complexity of the situation, stating, “It’s not just the Home Police; other departments like PWD and the Transport Department also play a crucial role. Even the PHE Department is vital, as any proposed road expansions may affect water supply and forest resources.”

With approximately 23,000 vehicles traveling daily from Shillong to Sohra and 21,000 from Shillong to Guwahati, the influx of vehicles is creating severe bottlenecks at the city’s entrances and exits. Lyngdoh noted the need to address issues related to embarkation and disembarkation of commercial vehicles, including taxis.

When asked about specific solutions to curb traffic congestion, Lyngdoh stated, “It’s not a one-day meeting that will yield immediate solutions. A detailed examination of the road network and coordination between all departments is essential.” He pointed out the limited manpower of the traffic police, with only about 100 officers actively managing the roads, indicating a pressing need for additional personnel at critical junctions.

“We need a police constable at many locations,” he emphasized, adding that while police presence is important, it’s not the sole solution. “All stakeholders must contribute equally to find practical solutions,” he asserted.

The chairman further discussed the potential for constructing flyovers at multiple junctions, but noted, “We must consider land availability, road width, and other infrastructural limitations.”

Regarding the number of vehicles currently on the roads, Lyngdoh indicated that around 3,800 local taxis operate in Shillong, with about 1,500 to 2,000 taxis active on any given day. He acknowledged that the total number of private vehicles in the city also contributes significantly to the traffic problem.

In light of these challenges, Lyngdoh announced plans to establish an expert panel comprising members with relevant backgrounds to devise effective short- and long-term traffic solutions. “We’re working fast, but we won’t rush this process,” he stated, ensuring that the formation of the expert panel is a priority.

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