HC slams NHIDCL for unsafe work on Shillong-Dawki Road

By Our Reporter

SHILLONG, May 21: The High Court of Meghalaya has strongly criticised NHIDCL for the shabby and unscientific execution of the under-construction Shillong-Dawki road, observing that the manner of work is endangering human lives and pushing up construction costs.

A Division Bench comprising Chief Justice Revati Mohite Dere and Justice Wanlura Diengdoh was informed that compensation of Rs 4 lakh and Rs 6 lakh had been paid directly to the legal heirs of two persons who lost their lives after a boulder crashed onto their vehicle on the Shillong-Dawki road.

During the hearing of the PIL, Amicus Curiae Philemon Nongbri submitted a preliminary inspection report of the road carried out on May 14, 2026. The report stated that the carriageway was in deplorable condition, covered with loose mud and uncleared debris, making it barely motorable and extremely dangerous for the public. It highlighted the complete absence of sturdy barricades to separate live traffic from deep drops and excavation zones. Instead, the contractor had used only thin wooden sticks tied with safety tape, which offered no real protection.

The report further pointed out that signage was grossly inadequate, with “landslide prone area” and “drive slow” messages written on insecure flex banners instead of standard high-visibility boards. Despite heavy fog and poor visibility in the area, there were no reflectors, delineators or luminous markers. There were also no proper “men at work” signs or advance warnings near operating heavy machinery. The inspection (Contd on P-7)