Torrential monsoon rains have wreaked havoc on Meghalaya’s National Highway 6 (NH-6), triggering severe traffic congestion near Jorabat, the strategic entry point to the state from Assam. The relentless downpour has caused waterlogging, landslides, and road damage, leaving hundreds of vehicles stranded and commuters frustrated for hours.
According to officials, the downpour began late Wednesday night and continued into Thursday, overwhelming the highway’s drainage system and narrowing road access due to mudslides from nearby hills. The Meghalaya monsoon traffic chaos has affected not just private cars but also long-distance buses and essential goods trucks trying to reach Shillong and other key areas.
Jorabat Bottleneck Brings Transport to a Crawl
Jorabat, often considered the gateway to Meghalaya, is a vital junction connecting Assam and the rest of Northeast India to the state capital, Shillong. On Thursday, commuters reported traffic stretching over 5 km in both directions, with delays lasting between two and five hours.
Drivers described scenes of stalled vehicles, broken-down trucks, and people wading through ankle-deep water. “The waterlogging is terrible. It feels like driving through a river. We haven’t moved for nearly two hours,” said Rajiv Boro, a cab driver stuck near the Khanapara-Jorabat stretch.
The NH-6 is crucial not only for passenger traffic but also for the supply chain to Meghalaya’s hill towns. The congestion has already led to delays in the delivery of perishable goods and fuel supplies, raising concerns about shortages if the weather persists.
Authorities Issue Advisory and Urge Caution: Meghalaya
In response to the worsening situation, the Meghalaya Traffic Police and State Disaster Management Authority have jointly issued an advisory urging commuters to avoid non-essential travel along NH-6, especially between Khanapara and Umiam.
“Motorists are advised to stay updated through local radio and social media channels. Road-clearing teams are working round-the-clock, but landslides and waterlogging may slow progress,” said an official from Meghalaya’s Transport Department.
Emergency response teams have been deployed along the affected stretches to assist stranded drivers and clear debris. Public Works Department (PWD) engineers are also assessing the structural stability of certain bridges and culverts in the area.
For live traffic updates and weather alerts, residents can visit the Meghalaya State Portal and the India Meteorological Department website.
Meghalaya Monsoon Rains Continue to Lash Northeast
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted continued heavy rainfall across Meghalaya and adjoining areas for the next three days. A yellow alert has been issued for the Khasi and Ri-Bhoi districts, with localized thunderstorms and strong winds expected.
This latest bout of rain is part of a broader monsoon pattern impacting all northeastern states, including Assam, Tripura, and Mizoram. The saturated soil, combined with steep terrain, makes the region particularly vulnerable to landslides and flash floods.
Earlier this month, parts of NH-6 near Sonapur also experienced partial collapse due to heavy erosion, underlining the urgent need for long-term infrastructure resilience in the face of climate change.
Call to Action: Avoid Travel, Prioritize Safety
As Meghalaya grapples with these monsoon-related disruptions, officials are asking for public cooperation to prevent further chaos. Residents and commuters are urged to:
- Delay travel unless absolutely necessary
- Keep emergency supplies in vehicles
- Check real-time traffic updates through Meghalaya Police Traffic channels
- Report any landslides or hazards to local authorities
With the Meghalaya monsoon traffic chaos showing no signs of immediate relief, public patience and administrative coordination are key to managing the crisis. Authorities promise regular updates and rapid response, but the unpredictable weather remains a challenge.
Stay informed. Stay safe. And until conditions improve, stay off NH-6 if you can.
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