Our correspondent
TURA:
The crucial link road connecting Mendipather in North Garo Hills(NGH) to Songsak in East Garo Hills(EGH) has been temporarily closed for heavy vehicular traffic from October 11 due to extensive damage caused by last week’s heavy rains in the region.
The Public Works Department (PWD) division in Resubelpara announced the temporary halt of all heavy vehicle movement on this road until further notice.
Heavy vehicles traveling from Dudhnoi towards Songsak have been instructed to use an alternative route through NH-217 via Dainadubi, Rongjeng, and onwards to Songsak.
Similarly, vehicles from Berubari (Bajengdoba) en route to Songsak will have to take NH-127B via Jengjal and Rongrenggiri (Williamnagar) road.
Heavy vehicles traveling from Mendipathar, Resubelpara will be rerouted through the Damra-Mendipathar road, NH-217 via Dainadubi, Rongjeng, up to Songsak, and vice versa, as per the PWD order.
This 23 km stretch is a vital state road, serving as a primary link connecting East with North Garo Hills without requiring entry through Assam. The road passes through numerous villages, including Nanggapa and Dagal, catering to a significant population in the area for commuting between Mendipathar and Resubelpara in the north, and Songsak, Rongjeng, and Williamnagar in the East.
Previously a narrow road, a major road expansion project began in 2015-16 to widen and provide an all-weather road through the route. Despite the expansion efforts, the road has faced challenges related to construction quality and other factors.