Ongoing construction of the Umshyrpi Bridge, part of the Shillong-Dawki Road four-laning project, caused severe traffic congestion across Shillong on Friday, disrupting daily life. Restrictions on vehicle movement are in place from June 12 to 15, between 10 am and 5 am. Poor road conditions and undisciplined driving near the construction zone worsened the situation. Many students were forced to walk to school, with STEM buses rerouted via the 101 Area Road. Parents parked vehicles at Anjalee Point and nearby areas and walked their children to Army Public School.
SP (Traffic) Kamakhya Prasad urged public cooperation, explaining that construction material and a crane are currently in place. He advised alternate routes via Laitumkhrah-Madanrting-Laitkor-Pomlakrai-5th Mile for vehicles heading to or from Upper Shillong.
Emergency vehicles are being prioritised, with Army authorities asked to permit their use of the 101 MES Road. No extension request has yet been received from NHIDCL regarding traffic curbs. NHIDCL officials said girder work may extend by 2-3 days due to limited visibility at night. Work during daytime is restricted due to high traffic volumes, further complicating progress on the narrow, curved stretch.