SHILLONG, AUG 7: The East Khasi Hills district administration has prohibited heavy and commercial vehicles from parking or halting on the carriageway and paved shoulders of National Highways in the district, with immediate effect.

In an order issued on Friday, District Magistrate Abhilash Baranwal said the decision was taken in compliance with a Supreme Court directive dated April 13, 2026, which mandated that such vehicles can stop only at designated parking bays, lay-byes or Wayside Amenities.

The administration noted that trucks and other commercial vehicles have been habitually parked along highway shoulders in the district, causing traffic congestion and posing a serious risk to public safety.

Citing the urgency of the matter, the order was issued under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023.

According to the order, violators will face action under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, along with provisions of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988.

The ban will remain in force for two months and will be publicized at police stations and transport check-gates along the highway stretches.

The directive comes as part of efforts to enforce road safety norms and ensure unobstructed movement of traffic on National Highways passing through East Khasi Hills.