Shillong, May 1: Activist Greneth Sangma has urged the Centre to order a high-level inquiry into the false completion claims regarding the Tura- Dalu section and the poor durability of the Shillong-Baghmara road.
He petitioned Union Minister for Road Transport & Highways in this regard.
The full text of the letter
, Shri Nitin Gadkari Ji, Hon’ble Union Minister for Road Transport & Highways, Government of India, New Delhi. E-mail: nitin.gadkari@nic.in/email@nitingadkari.org
Dated: Baghmara the, 30 th April, 2026.
Sub: Strong Objection against the transfer of the NH-217 (Dudhnoi-Baghmara-Dalu) project to NHIDCL due to systemic negligence and substandard execution in South Garo Hills.
Respected Sir, Most respectfully, I stand on behalf of the people of South Garo Hills to bring to your kind attention our collective objection regarding the transfer of the NH-217 project. In this capacity, we, the concerned citizens of South Garo Hills, Meghalaya, humbly submit this formal representation to voice our earnest and firm opposition to the proposed transfer of the NH-217 project (formerly NH-51) from the State National Highway (NH) Division to the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL). The NH-217 project is a vital lifeline connecting Dudhnoi (Assam) to Dalu (Meghalaya) via Baghmara. However, our community has lost all confidence in NHIDCL’s ability to deliver durable infrastructure. Based on the ground reality of ongoing projects, we highlight the following grievances:
1. Discrepancy in the Tura-Dalu Section (Km 85 to Km 145): Official reports suggest that NHIDCL has completed significant sections of the Tura to Dalu widening project. However, as residents and eye-witnesses, we state categorically that the ground reality contradicts these reports. Large portions remain incomplete or poorly executed, yet they are being treated as finished in administrative records. This is a clear case of gross negligence and lack of oversight.
2. Rapid Deterioration of the Shillong-Baghmara Route: The construction quality observed on the Shillong to Baghmara road is unacceptable. Shortly after the work was purportedly completed, the road surface suffered extensive damage. The materials and methods used by NHIDCL-contracted firms clearly do not withstand the heavy rainfall and terrain of the Garo Hills, leading to a massive waste of public exchequer. 3. Failure of Accountability in Key Components: With major initiatives like the Dainadubi-Darugiri expansion and the 29km Tura Bypass (₹951.27 crore project) at stake, we are deeply concerned. Handing these critical components over to NHIDCL given their track record with the Tura-Dalu and Shillong-Baghmara roads will result in further “paper-only” completions that leave our district disconnected and our economy stifled. The NH Division remains more accessible and accountable to the local population than NHIDCL.
Therefore, we earnestly request your Hon’ble office to:
1. Halt the transfer of NH-217 project components to NHIDCL.
2. Retain jurisdiction with the State NH Division for better local monitoring.
3. Order a high-level inquiry into the false completion claims regarding the Tura- Dalu section and the poor durability of the Shillong-Baghmara road. Therefore, most respectfully, Sir, we appeal to your kind intervention to ensure that the citizens of South Garo Hills are provided with the high-quality, 2-lane paved shoulder roads envisioned by your Ministry. We seek infrastructure that is built with integrity and durability, rather than the substandard work and negligence we are currently witnessing. We trust in your leadership to uphold accountability
Yours faithfully,
(Shri Greneth M. Sangma)
Social Activist Cum President
Constitutional Rights Forum H/Q. Tura
West Garo Hills, Meghalaya
Contact No. 9862939847
E-mail: grenethsangma23@gmail.com
