SHILLONG, JUN 9: Education Minister Lahkmen Rymbui on Tuesday called traffic congestion in Shillong a “permanent” problem, saying it is common to all hill stations globally and difficult to resolve due to land constraints.
Speaking on the issue, Rymbui compared Shillong’s situation to Sikkim, where over 72,000 vehicles entered in just three days.
“See, in all the hill stations all over the world, there is a problem of traffic congestion. You have seen, four days back, in Sikkim 72,000 vehicles are going to Sikkim in three days. So in Shillong also, congestion is there, and this congestion is permanent. It is very difficult for us to resolve, but what is the solution?” he said.
The minister listed ongoing and proposed infrastructure projects as the government’s key measures. These include the Shillong Bypass, Western Bypass, and a planned flyover from Polo to New Shillong. He added that the government is also trying to acquire land for a road linking the Jowai-Shillong road to New Shillong.
“The solution is that we have the Shillong Bypass, we have the Western Bypass, and the Government of Meghalaya is also planning to build a flyover from Polo to New Shillong. The government is also trying to get land to get a road from Jowai-Shillong road connecting to New Shillong. So, these are all measures that the government has done,” Rymbui stated.
However, he said land scarcity continues to stall expansion, even for widening critical stretches. “But if the government gets land, the government will surely expand. But we have a problem even to make a 4-lane from Rhino Point to Junction. We have a problem. So, land is a problem. But this is not only in the state of Meghalaya. All over the world, in all hill stations, there is a problem of traffic congestion,” he said.
Rymbui termed the development of New Shillong Township as the “best solution” to decongest the city, crediting the Chief Minister’s leadership for the decision.
“So, ring road, bypass is a solution. And more importantly, the best solution is that the government, under the leadership of the Chief Minister, has taken a decision that New Shillong, whether you like it or don’t like it, is a reality. I am very happy with the progress of the work of New Shillong Township, where all amenities have been tried to be provided,” he said.
The minister, however, said no infrastructure project alone can be a permanent fix without public cooperation. “So, this is one of the solutions. But if you tell me that will be a permanent solution, no. Unless we have a basic sense of responsibility in ourselves, a sense of ownership of all the things, and a sense of cooperation with the government, it is very difficult,” Rymbui added.
By Our Reporter
