Fast-moving two-wheelers on Umiam-Jorabat Highway thrill onlookers, keep police on toes

SHILLONG, Jan 19: The Umiam-Jorabat four-lane highway, known for its scenic beauty and smooth stretches, transforms into an unofficial racing track every Sunday as hundreds of bike enthusiasts from Shillong and neighbouring Assam gather to experience the thrill of high-speed riding.
While the sight of superbikes zooming past at 130-140 kmph is a spectacle, it has also raised serious concerns about safety and reckless riding.
For many responsible riders, Sundays on the Umiam-Jorabat stretch are about enjoying speed while adhering to safety norms. Equipped with proper safety gear, these bikers display impressive skills, including advanced cornering techniques, much to the delight of onlookers—especially children who eagerly gather to watch.
Some riders bring expensive superbikes, turning the highway into a showcase of skill and control, ensuring a thrilling yet safety-conscious experience.
However, a reckless faction of riders poses a major threat to road safety.
Often riding modified scooters with loud exhausts, they seem more focused on speed and risky overtakes rather than safety. Their aggressive riding endangers not just themselves but also other road users.
Unlike the responsible bikers, this group rarely wears safety gear or follows traffic rules, earning criticism from both authorities and the public for their dangerous stunts and noise pollution.
In response, the Ri Bhoi police have intensified efforts to maintain order on the highway. Ri-Bhoi Superintendent of Police (SP) Vivekanand Singh Rathore stated that police teams regularly conduct checks to enforce traffic rules.
“We are committed to ensuring road safety through awareness and enforcement,” said Rathore.
As part of its outreach, the Ri-Bhoi police distributed helmets on Sunday to children, elderly individuals and women found riding without them. The initiative aims to promote helmet use and road safety awareness.
These measures coincide with a special traffic enforcement drive ahead of Republic Day, highlighting the need for stricter traffic regulations and collective responsibility.
With the ongoing police efforts and community engagement, the authorities hope to strike a balance between thrill-seeking and safety, so that the highway remains a space for enjoyment without compromising lives.