Shillong: The picturesque Umiam-Jorabat Expressway in Meghalaya, a 60-km stretch connecting Guwahati and Shillong, has turned into a deadly corridor, claiming 25 lives in just 100 days, according to official data.
Ri Bhoi Superintendent of Police, V.S. Rathore, revealed on Wednesday that speeding remains the primary cause of these accidents, with nearly half of the victims hailing from outside the state.
Drunk driving has also contributed significantly to the rising toll on the scenic but perilous four-lane highway.
Authorities are stepping up efforts to address these issues.
“We are in constant touch with the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and have requested the installation of speed limit boards along the highway,” Rathore said.
To further curb reckless driving, the police plan to erect barricades at high-risk stretches where drivers tend to exceed speed limits.
Regular patrols and surprise checks are being conducted to enforce speed regulations and prevent drunk driving.
ALSO READ: Eviction, not compensation, key to tackling encroachments: Arunachal Governor
Truck drivers using the highway are being cautioned about lane discipline and the safe parking of vehicles, with strict measures in place to mitigate risks.
Meanwhile, a woman lost her life on Wednesday when her two-wheeler was struck by a truck on the Guwahati-Shillong road.
