The Meghalaya Commercial Truck Owners and Drivers Association (MCTODA) has urged the State government to decide on shorter routes for trucks carrying essential commodities to ply through, so that citizens are not inconvenienced.
This came up during a meeting held on Friday to discuss closure of various routes leading to the city and beyond.
MCTODA president Mosklandar Marngar said trucks carrying food items are facing problems due to closure by authorities to ply on certain roads.
He said heavy vehicles had to use the Mawmih and Lad Umsaw roads after they were disallowed to ply through the Umiam Bridge. However, these routes too were closed leaving trucks with no other choice but to use the NEIGRIHMS-Mawkhanu road.
“This is a shorter road for trucks plying to Shillong, Eastern West Khasi Hills, West Khasi Hills and other parts of East Khasi Hills. But if we ply through Mawryngkneng the distance is longer,” he said.
Marngar said that if trucks have to travel long distances, the price of essential commodities would rise and ultimately the excess sum will have to be charged from the common man.
Truckers also raised concern over the re-emergence of toll gates along the national highway in Ri Bhoi district. He claimed that oftentimes when truckers raise such illegalities with authorities; they are confronted by those manning the toll gates.
“We have decided that if we are still being harassed we will inform (the authorities),” said, adding no trucks will pay.
