BJP demands probe into recurring landslides on Shillong-Dawki road project
Synopsis
A landslide on the Shillong-Dawki highway on Sunday was not the first — and BJP says it won't be the last unless someone investigates. With the monsoon bearing down on Meghalaya and a critical India-Bangladesh trade corridor repeatedly cut off, the ruling alliance's own partner is now demanding answers on slope stability and construction quality.
Key Takeaways
BJP spokesperson Mariahom Kharkrang on 22 June demanded a formal inquiry into recurring landslides on the Shillong-Dawki road project .
A major landslide struck the highway on Sunday ; similar incidents have been reported across multiple stretches of the project previously.
The inquiry is expected to examine geological factors, construction lapses, and adequacy of slope protection measures.
The Shillong-Dawki corridor connects the state capital to a key trade and tourism hub near the India-Bangladesh border .
Authorities have not yet formally responded to the BJP's demand; monsoon conditions are expected to heighten landslide risk further.
Meghalaya's ruling alliance partner, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), has called for a detailed inquiry into the recurring landslides disrupting the under-construction Shillong-Dawki road project, citing serious concerns over slope stability, commuter safety, and the long-term viability of this critical infrastructure corridor. The demand came on Monday, 22 June, following a major landslide reported on the highway the previous day.
What the BJP Said
Addressing reporters in Shillong, Meghalaya BJP spokesperson Mariahom Kharkrang stated that Sunday's landslide was not an isolated event, pointing to similar occurrences reported earlier across different stretches of the project. He stressed that a comprehensive investigation was essential to identify the root causes and prescribe corrective action.
'The inquiry must be instituted to find out the reasons leading to these incidents. Based on the findings, corrective measures should be taken to prevent such occurrences in the future,' Kharkrang said.
Key Concerns Raised
Kharkrang outlined that the inquiry should examine whether the slope failures stemmed from geological factors, construction-related lapses, inadequate slope protection measures, or other technical shortcomings. He also urged all agencies associated with the project to immediately adopt scientific mitigation measures, particularly ahead of the monsoon season, when landslide risk intensifies significantly.
He emphasised that the safety of commuters and construction workers must remain the foremost priority for the authorities overseeing the project.
Why the Shillong-Dawki Corridor Matters
The Shillong-Dawki road project is widely regarded as one of Meghalaya's most strategically significant infrastructure initiatives. It is designed to improve connectivity between the state capital Shillong and Dawki, a key trade and tourism hub situated near the India-Bangladesh border. Disruptions along this corridor carry direct implications for cross-border commerce and regional tourism.
Notably, recurring slope failures along the project route have already sparked widespread concern among residents and daily commuters, prompting mounting calls for a rigorous review of the project's engineering standards and safety protocols.
What Happens Next
The BJP's demand, coming from within Meghalaya's own ruling alliance, adds political weight to what has so far been a largely civic grievance. Authorities have yet to formally respond to the call for an inquiry. With the monsoon season intensifying across the Northeast, the pressure on project agencies to demonstrate credible slope stabilisation measures is expected to grow in the coming weeks.
Point of View
And the monsoon will test that hypothesis in real time. What is missing from the public discourse is any independent geotechnical assessment of the corridor; without one, the inquiry risks becoming a procedural exercise rather than a genuine course correction.
NationPress
22 Jun 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is BJP demanding a probe into the Shillong-Dawki road project?
The BJP is calling for a formal inquiry after a major landslide struck the Shillong-Dawki highway on Sunday, 21 June — the latest in a series of slope failures reported across different stretches of the under-construction project. The party says the recurring nature of these incidents raises serious questions about construction quality and slope stability.
What is the Shillong-Dawki road project?
The Shillong-Dawki road project is one of Meghalaya's most important infrastructure initiatives, aimed at improving connectivity between the state capital Shillong and Dawki, a major trade and tourism hub near the India-Bangladesh border. Disruptions to this corridor affect cross-border commerce and regional tourism.
What factors does the BJP want the inquiry to examine?
According to BJP spokesperson Mariahom Kharkrang, the inquiry should determine whether the landslides were caused by geological conditions, construction-related issues, inadequate slope protection measures, or other technical shortcomings, and then recommend corrective action.
Who is affected by the recurring landslides on this route?
Daily commuters, residents along the corridor, construction workers, and cross-border traders using the Dawki route are all affected. Repeated road disruptions cut off a strategically important link between Shillong and the India-Bangladesh border.
What happens next after the BJP's demand?
Authorities have not yet formally responded to the call for an inquiry. With the monsoon season intensifying across the Northeast, pressure on project agencies to implement credible slope stabilisation measures is expected to increase significantly in the coming weeks.
