Shillong, October 7: The Jaintia National Council (JNC) has submitted a formal memorandum to Dr. Ricky A.J. Syngkon, Lok Sabha MP from Shillong (ST) Constituency, seeking urgent parliamentary intervention over the delay and substandard work on National Highway 6 (NH-6) in the Jaintia Hills region of Meghalaya.
The memorandum highlights that, despite being a project worth hundreds of crores and vital for regional connectivity, the NH-6 construction has been plagued by delays, poor workmanship, and design flaws.
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Among the key concerns raised by the JNC:
- Failure to Meet Court Deadline: The Meghalaya High Court had directed the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to complete NH-6 by August 2025. However, as of October 2025, work remains incomplete, causing severe inconvenience and losses to commuters.
- Poor Contractor Performance: Contractors, including Purbanchal Buildtech Pvt. Ltd. and Dhar Construction Company Ltd., have demonstrated slow progress and substandard work. The JNC has urged the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways (MoRTH) to review the matter and consider blacklisting defaulting contractors.
- Reduced Road Width: The new NH-6 is narrower than the old highway, creating daily congestion and compromising safety for heavy vehicles.
- Unsuitable Materials Used: Use of concrete cement in a rain-prone, hilly region has led to early cracking and surface damage.
- Lack of Drainage: Absence of proper drainage threatens long-term road durability and nearby farmlands.
- Premature Damage: Newly built sections, especially around Khliehriat, are already deteriorating, indicating poor-quality materials and inadequate supervision.
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The JNC has appealed for a special inspection and technical audit of NH-6, along with accountability from NHAI and the contractors for any negligence. The council has also called for disciplinary and financial action against those responsible and urged that the highway be completed in a timely manner with proper quality control and transparency.
Responding to the memorandum, MP Dr. Ricky A.J. Syngkon assured that he would take the matter seriously, personally inspect the highway, and pursue necessary actions to ensure the welfare and development of the Jaintia Hills region.