Shillong, Oct 5: The Jaintia Students’ Union (JSU), Jowai Circle has sought government intervention to address serious traffic congestion at Iawmusiang, particularly along the Jowai-Shillong Road.
In a memorandum to the Superintendent of Police, West Jaintia Hills, JSU President Born Rupon said roadside parking and waiting of tourist vehicles, combined with concentration of commercial vehicles at Old Stand Sumo, frequently triggers jams that spread across Iawmusiang.
The union said the congestion obstructs smooth traffic flow, inconveniences daily commuters, affects movement of people entering Iawmusiang from different directions during peak hours and compromises emergency access.
While noting that traffic police have been making efforts to regulate traffic, JSU said lack of designated parking and waiting facilities for tourist and commercial vehicles has made enforcement difficult.
It urged the SP to forward the matter to the government with recommendations for establishment of a permanent tourist and commercial vehicle parking facility outside the congested Iawmusiang core, allocation of a designated waiting zone to prevent roadside parking near Police Point and Old Stand Sumo, and coordination with tourist associations and transport operators to ensure compliance.
The union said its intention is not to discourage tourism or transport operators but to ensure activities are carried out in an organised manner without affecting road safety and daily life of residents.
