Silchar - Shillong Road: Another landslide near Sonapur tunnel on NH 6 disrupts vehicular traffic

A fresh landslide near the Sonapur Tunnel on NH 6 has once again disrupted vehicular traffic on the Silchar-Shillong Road. Meghalaya Police has issued an update, informing commuters about the slow traffic movement and urging them to exercise caution while driving through the affected area. Efforts are currently underway to clear the debris and restore normal traffic flow.

The landslide, which occurred on the evening of June 10, has resulted in a significant traffic jam, with night super buses traveling from three districts of Barak Valley to Guwahati being forced to remain parked. Vehicles traveling from Guwahati to South Assam have also been stationed, causing further congestion on the road.

This is not the first time that such an incident has taken place near the Sonapur Tunnel. On May 27 of this year, a similar landslide had caused major disruptions to vehicular traffic. The East Jaintia Hills administration had to work tirelessly for six to seven hours to clear the debris during that incident.

The recurring landslides highlight the challenges faced by commuters during the monsoon season. The promised Mahasadak via Haflong, which was intended to provide an alternate route from Silchar to Guwahati, is yet to be completed. The project was initiated by former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, but the celebrated “Double-Engine-Sarkar” has failed to live up to the promises it made and repeatedly missed deadlines.

As a result of the incomplete project, travelers are forced to rely on the Silchar-Shillong Road, where they encounter the dangers of mudslides and landslips during the rainy season. The situation underscores the urgent need for improved infrastructure and alternative routes to ensure the safety and convenience of commuters in the region.

Authorities are working diligently to clear the debris and restore normal traffic conditions on the Silchar-Shillong Road. Commuters are advised to stay informed about the latest updates and exercise patience while traveling through the affected area.