Tourist route to Dawki cut off as landslide forces closure of Shillong-Dawki highway

Shillong, June 21: The East Khasi Hills district administration has ordered the closure of the Shillong-Dawki road beyond Laitlyngkot village following a major landslide that completely severed a section of the highway, disrupting traffic movement towards Dawki and adjoining areas.

In an order issued on Sunday, Deputy Commissioner Abhilash Baranwal said the landslide occurred at Chainage 25+200 along the Shillong-Dawki road, resulting in a total cut-off of the route ahead of Laitlyngkot village.

The administration said the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd. (NHIDCL) has informed authorities that restoration and repair work will take several days to complete.

“In the interest of public safety and to prevent any untoward incidents, the road along the Shillong-Dawki road will remain closed for public and vehicular movement from Laitlyngkot village onwards with immediate effect and until further notice,” the order stated.

Tourists and local commuters have been advised not to travel along the affected stretch and instead use designated diversion routes.

The administration has suggested two alternative routes:
Shillong–Sohra–Sohbar–Dawki
Shillong–Jowai–Amlarem–Dawki
Authorities have urged commuters to plan their journeys in advance, expect longer travel times, and strictly follow directions issued by police, traffic personnel and NHIDCL officials deployed on the ground.

Residents have also been asked to monitor weather advisories issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) amid continued rainfall in the region, which has heightened the risk of further landslides.

Emergency assistance can be sought by dialling 112, the district administration said.

The closure is expected to affect tourist traffic to Dawki as well as transportation of goods and passengers along one of Meghalaya’s busiest highway corridors.

Repair and restoration work is currently underway, with officials yet to announce a timeline for reopening the road.

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