The East Khasi Hills Police in Shillong has announced a four-day restriction on vehicular movement through the crucial Umshyrpi Bridge due to ongoing construction work. The traffic curbs will be in effect from June 12 to June 15, 2025, between 10:00 PM and 5:00 AM daily, causing significant diversions for commuters traveling between Upper Shillong and other parts of the city.
Superintendent of Police Vivek Syiem issued the official notification on Tuesday, outlining detailed diversion routes to manage the traffic flow during the construction period. The Umshyrpi Bridge serves as a vital link for thousands of daily commuters in the Meghalaya capital.
Traffic Diversion Routes Announced
According to the police notification, vehicles proceeding from Upper Shillong towards the Umshyrpi Bridge-MES Point will be diverted at 5th Mile, Upper Shillong. The alternate route will take traffic through Pomlakrai, Laitkor, Madanrting, and Laitumkhrah before reaching their destinations.
For vehicles traveling from the Lumdiengiri area and Old Cherra towards Upper Shillong via Umshyrpi Bridge, a longer diversion route has been prescribed. These vehicles will need to take the route through Laitumkhrah, Madanrting, Laitkor, and Pomlakrai before reaching 5th Mile, Upper Shillong.
The police have assured that emergency service vehicles will be allowed to ply through the restricted area and will be facilitated by traffic personnel stationed at key points.
Impact on Daily Commuters
The traffic restrictions are expected to significantly impact the daily routine of thousands of commuters who rely on the Umshyrpi Bridge for their travel between Upper Shillong and the main city areas. The bridge serves as a crucial connection point, and its closure during peak evening and early morning hours is likely to cause considerable inconvenience.
Local residents and office-goers who commute during these hours will need to plan their journeys accordingly, factoring in additional travel time due to the longer diversion routes.
Police Express Regret Over Inconvenience
In the official press release, the East Khasi Hills Police acknowledged the inconvenience the restrictions would cause to the public. “Inconvenience caused in this regard is highly regretted,” stated the notification signed by Superintendent Vivek Syiem.
The police have also requested editors of all local dailies to provide wide publicity to the traffic advisory to ensure maximum awareness among the public about the upcoming restrictions and alternative routes.
Construction Work Details
While the police notification mentions “ongoing construction work” as the reason for the restrictions, specific details about the nature of the construction or the agency undertaking the work were not provided in the official release. The four-day timeline suggests either critical maintenance work or urgent repairs that require complete traffic restriction during nighttime hours.
The timing of the restrictions, from 10:00 PM to 5:00 AM, appears designed to minimize disruption during peak traffic hours while allowing essential construction activities to proceed safely.
Authority and Contact Information
The traffic restrictions have been issued under the authority of Vivek Syiem, IPS, Superintendent of Police for East Khasi Hills, Shillong. The notification bears memo number TR/11/25/-A and is dated June 11, 2025.
Commuters are advised to stay updated with traffic updates and plan their journeys accordingly during the restriction period. The police have indicated that emergency services will continue to operate normally, with facilitation provided by traffic personnel.
The Umshyrpi Bridge traffic restrictions represent a significant logistical challenge for Shillong’s transportation network, but authorities appear confident that the detailed diversion plans will help manage traffic flow effectively during the construction period.
