Seemingly unable to come up with other ways to ease Shillong’s notorious traffic jams, the district administration of East Khasi Hills has decided to go after a soft target and restrict the entry of public transport to Khyndailad and Motphran.
In an order today, the Deputy Commissioner, RM Kurbah, blamed public transport for “creating substantial congestion” in these areas and posing a challenge for traffic management and pedestrian safety.
From June 5, SPTS buses, SSPTS maxi cabs and black and yellow local taxis coming from Kachari Point towards Khyndailad and Motphran will have to follow an odd-even rule.
Vehicles having licence plates that end in odd digits will only be allowed on this route on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Vehicles with licence plates that end in even digits will be allowed on this route on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, with no restriction applying on Sundays.
Tellingly, there are no restrictions on the burgeoning number of private vehicles.
Furthermore, every vehicle should only bear a High Security Registration Plate (HSRP) and a copy of the vehicle’s registration certificate should be made available for inspection at any given time, the DC ordered. Anyone found driving with tampered number plates shall be dealt with strictly in accordance with relevant provisions of the law, including revocation of the driver’s licence.
This order replaces directions passed by the Chief Executive Officer of the Shillong Municipal Board in respect of SSPTS maxi cabs made just two days ago.
