Shillong-Dawki highway cut-off after landslide

Shillong: The Shillong-Dawki highway, a key route to the Bangladesh border and frequently traversed by tourists and commercial vehicles, has been completely cut-off following a landslide.

The East Khasi Hills district administration has ordered the closure of the road beyond Laitlyngkot village.Deputy commissioner Abhilash Baranwal said on Sunday the landslide at Chainage 25+200 along the Shillong-Dawki road severed a section of the highway, disrupting traffic towards Dawki town and adjoining areas.The National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd has been carrying out restoration and repair work, which will take several days to complete, the DC said.Tourists and local residents have been advised not to commute along the Shillong-Dawki road and instead take either of the two diversion routes of Shillong-Sohra-Sohbar-Dawki or Shillong-Jowai-Amlarem-Dawki. “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 said.People have been asked to monitor weather advisories issued by the India Meteorological Department, as continued rainfall increases the risk of further landslides. Emergency assistance can be sought by dialling 112, the DC said.