Shillong: The Meghalaya High Court has directed the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to address the remaining repair issues on the Jowai-Ratacherra stretch of NH-6 “as soon as possible,” following a review of the ongoing work on Monday. The directive came during a hearing on a public interest litigation (PIL) originally filed by the late Kynjaimon Amse, which has been under judicial monitoring.
Chief Justice IP Mukerji and Justice W Diengdoh acknowledged the steady progress in the repair work but raised concerns over specific issues flagged in the Amicus Curiae’s report. These included the presence of “large potholes” and “exposed rods from small bridges,” which pose significant risks to commuters. Despite these concerns, the bench expressed confidence in the overall pace of the project, stating, “We have every reason to believe that the work of repair is progressing satisfactorily.”
During the hearing, counsel S. Sengupta, representing NHAI, assured the court that efforts were being made to ensure the entire 102.225 km stretch of highway becomes “safely pliable, without any obstruction within a reasonable time.” In response, the court emphasized the importance of timely completion and directed both the state government and NHAI to submit status reports before the next hearing on April 16, 2025. “We earnestly hope that the status report would indicate completion of the project,” the bench remarked.
The matter remains under judicial scrutiny through PIL No. 11 of 2022, with Additional Advocate General K. Khan and government advocate ER Chyne representing the state government. The court’s continued oversight underscores the urgency of ensuring safe and reliable road infrastructure along this crucial highway link.
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