Nongpoh, Sep14: After repeated complaints from truckers over lack of parking on NH-6, the Ri-Bhoi district administration on Monday inspected the Jorabat-Umdihar stretch to identify sites for a truck lay-by.
The Meghalaya Commercial Truck Owners and Drivers Association (MCTODA) had submitted a representation to the Deputy Commissioner, saying drivers are fined for roadside parking while having no designated space to rest after long hauls.
During the inspection, MCTODA pushed for a lay-by near the NHAI toll gate at Pahammawleiñ on the Meghalaya side towards Guwahati.
Chairman Mosklandar Marngar said the situation in Ri-Bhoi is critical due to heavy commercial movement. He welcomed the inspection but said drivers need concrete action now.
“Whatever the government decides, our demand is simple, we need a truck parking facility now. It should not take any longer,” Marngar said.
He said several locations were identified, though some have hilly terrain challenges. He alleged encroachments and commercial structures around Umpher-Byrnihat, within NHAI right-of-way, are blocking potential sites and questioned delays in removing them while drivers face swift fines and police action.
MCTODA said its preferred site ahead of the toll gate is crucial as trucks carrying goods to Assam often get stuck if they reach after the permitted movement window.
The association said it is willing to contribute support if funding is an issue, but wants the government and NHAI to move from inspection to implementation to improve driver safety and highway discipline.
