Rhino Point area of the
city is one of the
worst hit as far as traffic congestion is concerned. Hundreds of vehicles are often found stranded at the area throughout the day and sometimes even during night hours.
Vehicles converge at Rhino Point from several directions. Sometimes the situation is compounded by several rows of vehicles coming from the Anjalee Point area towards the Civil Hospital. Then there are vehicles coming from the Butcher Road and from Bishnupur and Last Stop areas which add to the vehicles proceeding from Civil Hospital towards Anjalee Point, leading to total chaos in the area.
Several commuters were of the opinion that congestion in the area could be reduced to a great extent if the Defence authorities permit vehicles to ply through Pine Walk from Rhino Point till Civil Hospital junction.
Commuters have complained that the Defence authorities have put a total ban on local taxis from entering Pine Walk and the Army jawans prevent local taxi from entering the area.
On some occasions private vehicles are allowed to enter the stretch while at other times the jawans don’t allow any vehicle to pass through the area.
A traffic cop told The Shillong Times that the Defence authorities ban or permit entry of vehicles according to their own whims and fancies.
Some commuters also questioned why civilians are not allowed to use roads under Defence jurisdiction when the armed forces are permitted to use the civilian roads 24/7 and without any restrictions.
(Afaque Hussain)