Shillong: The Meghalaya government has directed the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) to urgently install proper signage and warning boards along the under-construction Shillong-Dawki Road in East Khasi Hills, following a devastating accident that killed five members of a family.
The tragedy occurred late Sunday night near Rngain, roughly halfway along the Shillong-Dawki stretch, when a car veered off the road and plunged into a 70-foot-deep gorge. The victims included a pregnant woman and a young child.
Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong, who also holds the PWD (Roads) portfolio, announced the government’s response after reviewing road safety conditions in the area.
“We have issued directives to NHIDCL to immediately install adequate signage to prevent further mishaps,” Tynsong said.
The Deputy CM emphasised that the exact cause of the accident is still under investigation.
“It is not yet clear whether the incident was due to driver error or negligence on the part of the construction company,” he noted.
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In addition, the Chief Engineer of the PWD (National Highway) has been instructed to identify and inspect accident-prone zones along the route and ensure proper display of cautionary signs.
On Monday, senior officials from NHIDCL and representatives of the construction firm met with Tynsong, who is also the local MLA, to discuss immediate safety measures and long-term improvements for the ongoing road project.
“The government is committed to taking all necessary steps to enhance road safety and prevent such tragedies in the future,” Tynsong assured.
