SHILLONG: The traffic congestion in Shillong city is on the rise and the decision of the Ministry of Defence to open the cantonment roads has help the city police in easing traffic.
However, traffic situation turns bad in Rhino and nearby traffic junctions as Army authorities close down their gates at 5 P.M.
A traffic personnel said that the Army opens their gate in Rhino point at 5 AM and closes it at 5 PM and when police personnel inquired about it, they were told that the orders to close the gates at 5 PM has come from the top.
“Once the gate is closed at 5 PM, traffic increases in the area,” a cop said.
When contacted, East Khasi Hills SP, Davis Marak said that the police through the State Government will definitely explore the possibility of taking up the matter with the Army authorities.
“ Whenever there is traffic jam, the opening of the gates helps us in easing traffic jams,” the SP added.
The Defence Ministry recently had decided to allow civilian access to the roads in 62 cantonments across the country Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman held a meeting on May 4 with a group of MPs, elected office-bearers of cantonment boards and Army officials
