Authorities in Meghalaya’s East Khasi Hills district on Tuesday issued road closure notices for the Laitlyngkot-Lyngkyrdem stretch of the Shillong-Dawki highway, a move expected to disrupt tourists intending to visit Mawlynnong, Asia’s cleanest village, and Dawki, besides Shnongpdeng and Darrang, officials said. In a partial modification to the previous advisory issued in July, the authorities under Pynursla subdivision said the stretch will remain closed daily from noon to 4 pm and from 9 pm to 4 am. “The restrictions will be in place from August 20 to August 31, after which the timings may be relaxed following a review,” it added.
The order comes in the wake of several accidents and rising concerns about safety on the under-construction highway. Earlier this month, five people were killed when their vehicle plunged into a 70-foot gorge near Rngain. The incident underscored the vulnerability of commuters on the stretch, especially during heavy rainfall. Officials have urged commuters to strictly avoid non-essential journeys at night and during downpours. The state government has also directed the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) to urgently install road warning signage and to coordinate with the Public Works Department (PWD) in identifying accident-prone zones.
The Shillong-Dawki highway is a key lifeline for both local commuters and the state’s tourism sector, as it serves as the main gateway for visitors heading to Dawki and Mawlynnong—Asia’s cleanest village. However, recurring landslides have made the road hazardous during the monsoon, leading to frequent traffic disruptions. Authorities stressed that the restrictions are temporary measures aimed at safeguarding lives while repair and stabilization works continue.