Meghalaya, Assam, Tripura and Mizoram MPs demand NH-6 repair

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaSeptember 23, 2023

Members of Parliament (MPs) from the four North East states – Meghalaya, Assam, Tripura and Mizoram – have sought the intervention of the Union Minister of Road and Transport Nitin Gadkari for immediate repairing of the dilapidated national highway (NH-6).

In a memorandum to Gadkari on September 20, Congress Shillong MP Vincent H Pala and 3 other MPs from the NE said, “We request that the road be repaired immediately to bring it to a safe and serviceable condition. This includes filling potholes, repairing damaged sections, and ensuring proper road markings and signage for the safety of commuters.”

“Given the exponential growth in traffic, we propose the widening of NH-6 to six lanes to accommodate the increasing volume of vehicles and ensure smooth traffic flow. This expansion will be crucial in facilitating economic growth and connectivity in the region,” they said while adding “Once the repairs and widening are completed, we request that the government commit to regular and periodic maintenance to ensure the longevity and safety of this crucial highway.”

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The NH-6 connects Shillong, Meghalaya with Silchar, Mizoram and Tripura.

The memorandum said that the state of NH-6 is currently in a severely dilapidated condition, causing immense inconvenience to the people of these regions and posing a significant threat to their safety.

The deteriorating condition of NH-6 has been a matter of grave concern for the residents and commuters in these areas.

“Despite being a vital lifeline connecting these states, the road has not seen substantial repair or maintenance in the past year, leading to a cascade of problems, including increased travel time, accidents, and disruptions in the transportation of essential goods,” it said.

The MPs also draw the attention of the union minister to the exponential increase in traffic along this route, primarily due to mining activities in Meghalaya and the growing economic interdependence between the states connected by NH-6.

“The existing two-lane road is no longer sufficient to accommodate this surge in traffic, leading to traffic congestion, delays, and a considerate negative impact on the local economy. As the only road connecting Meghalaya with the Barak Valley, this highway’s importance cannot be overstated,” they asserted.