NHIDCL, truckers’ body jointly inspect proposed lay-bys from Jorabat to Umiam and Mawryngkneng to Malidor
Shillong, August 31: Truck drivers and owners transporting goods to Guwahati and other destinations continue to face difficulties due to the lack of adequate parking, rest and overnight facilities along Meghalaya’s national highways.
The issue has become more pressing following a Meghalaya High Court order prohibiting indiscriminate parking of trucks along the highway, particularly on the Byrnihat–Jorabat stretch. Ri-Bhoi Police, under the supervision of the Superintendent of Police, subsequently removed trucks parked along the roadside following complaints that haphazard parking was disrupting traffic movement towards Guwahati.
While the restrictions have helped address roadside congestion, truckers say they have been left with few safe and suitable places to park, rest, eat or spend the night, as proper truck lay-bys remain unavailable along several stretches of the highway.
Seeking a practical solution, leaders of the All Meghalaya Truck Owners and Drivers Welfare Association (AMTODWA), accompanied by officials of the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL), inspected sites proposed for the construction and improvement of truck lay-bys.
The joint team surveyed stretches from Jorabat to Umiam in Ri-Bhoi district and from Mawryngkneng through Jowai and Khliehriat to Malidor in East Jaiñtia Hills district.
Speaking to the media after the inspection, AMTODWA general secretary W. Warlapih said the exercise was aimed at assessing the location, size, condition and suitability of the proposed parking facilities.
He said truck drivers need spacious and secure parking areas that can accommodate heavy vehicles without obstructing the movement of other road users. The association also highlighted the difficulties faced by drivers in areas where there are no suitable places to stop, rest or stay overnight.
AMTODWA vice-president Dapkupar Bobie Nongrum said properly planned lay-bys would help reduce traffic congestion, haphazard roadside parking and the risk of highway accidents.
He urged NHIDCL and the State Government to ensure that the facilities are designed according to the actual requirements of heavy vehicles rather than merely to meet project completion targets.
Nongrum said the proposed lay-bys should include essential amenities such as toilets, drinking water, adequate lighting and security arrangements.
AMTODWA also called for closer coordination among the truckers’ association, NHIDCL, the State Government and district authorities to address issues arising from truck parking restrictions and ongoing highway construction.
The association expressed hope that NHIDCL would take into account the recommendations and practical experiences of truck drivers and owners while developing the facilities, ensuring their safety and welfare while also facilitating smooth and orderly movement of traffic along Meghalaya’s national highways.
