Shillong: Ri-Bhoi district officials joined forces with the National Highways Authority of India, the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd, and the Meghalaya Commercial Truck Owners and Drivers Association on Monday. The group inspected the stretch of National Highway 6 between Jorabat and Umran Niangbyrnai. They need space for truck lay-bys. Heavy vehicle drivers currently struggle to follow road safety rules and Supreme Court bans on roadside parking.
The search follows pressure from the Meghalaya Commercial Truck Owners and Drivers Association. Chairman Moslander Marngar pushed for the move after submitting a formal request to local administration. He described the situation as a basic safety necessity for everyone on the road. "Dedicated parking areas are vital for both truckers and other motorists," Marngar said.
The team tossed out several sites due to steep terrain but flagged a few viable options. Marngar wants immediate development, even offering to help pay for machinery if the government runs short on cash. The association also pointed to factories owned by non-locals encroaching on potential land. Past attempts to clear this land stalled after administrative delays and constant extensions.
Drivers face constant fines for pulling over near the 20-Mile Toll Plaza. Entry windows into Assam remain rigid. Missing these tight slots forces trucks to turn around and re-enter Meghalaya. This mess forces drivers to cross the toll plaza repeatedly, racking up extra fees that drive up costs.
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