Guwahati: The East Khasi Hills district administration has announced that commercial vehicles operating along the Umiam–Shillong route will be allowed to use the newly constructed Umiam bridge bypass from May 14 onwards, a day after its official inauguration on May 13.
According to the order issued by the Deputy Commissioner’s office in the East Khasi Hills district, the bypass has been opened to facilitate the movement of heavy trucks and night super buses entering Shillong from the Ri-Bhoi side. However, significant limits have been established on the timing and type of vehicles that can travel the highway.
According to authorities, commercial vehicles, including night buses, would be allowed to use the bypass only between 9 p.m. and 7 a.m. every day. Articulated vehicles are prohibited from utilizing the road, while rigid vehicles with up to three axles and a maximum gross weight of 28.5 tonnes will be authorized.
The administration has also mandated that all night super buses park at the Inter-State Bus Terminal (ISBT) in Mawiong. Such buses will not be permitted to park at the Shillong Recreation Ground Trust area, Polo, the Shillong Municipal Board parking lot at Dhankheti, along the Itshyrwat-New Shillong road, Shillong-Jowai road or any other spot within the city limits.
According to officials, the limits are aimed at controlling traffic flow and reduce congestion within Shillong while also allowing goods carriers and long-distance buses to enter the bypass corridor more easily.
The Deputy Commissioner has directed the police, transportation authorities, and other relevant departments to ensure proper implementation of the restrictions and to station adequate traffic personnel at important intersections around the clock.