By K L Tariang
The news that traffic congestion in Shillong results in an annual opportunity cost loss of Rs. 550 crore, whether for the state or just Shillong city alone (Shillong Times, April 3, 2025), is alarming. The significant rise in vehicle registrations in Meghalaya over the past five years, with nearly 50% registered in East Khasi Hills, as also reported earlier have led to such congestion . While the growing number of vehicles on the roads can be seen as a sign of progress, the rise in vehicle numbers is , however, not matched by adequate infrastructure to ensure smooth traffic movements . There is limited scope for road expansion and flyover construction within Shillong and in the other district headquarters and this further exacerbates congestion. Moreover , even if such infrastructure projects were feasible, their benefits would be short-lived, as the relentless rise in the number of vehicles would in no time exceed their carrying capacity. A time may come when even the implementation of an odd-even vehicle regulation for vehicle movement, if ever considered, may be ineffective due to the sheer volume of vehicles. Traffic personnel, especially in Shillong, have increased in number and have managed the situation well so far. But they may soon find themselves overwhelmed by the rapidly growing vehicle population.
Shillong experiences more traffic congestion as being the state capital, the presence of more government and private facilities within it attracts a constant stream of visitors. These include residents from nearby districts who search for better basic amenities such as healthcare services, likely due to inadequate medical facilities at the respective district headquarters, old or new . Additionally, Shillong’s superior commercial and marketing facilities also frequently attract visitors from these districts . The private or commercial transports of these visitors to Shillong add to the already growing number of vehicles of the local commuters moving within the city while occupying many parking spaces as well .Compounding the problem is the steady flow of tourist vehicles from outside the region. Many tourists prefer to pass through Shillong rather than take alternative routes, even when available, before heading to tourist destinations in the Khasi Hills and Jaintia Hills regions.
Conversely, district transport offices across various district headquarters of the state seems to be well-equipped to register vehicles of more and more local applicants for private use and for small and medium commercial vehicles for passenger transport. While registering more of the latter vehicles is an initiative meant to generate employment, their excessive registrations raises concerns about the sustainability of the initiative. Moreover , their growing number has contributed to the decline of both private and government bus services, once vital in connecting district headquarters and other destinations within the districts . Such bus services, if revived, upgraded, and efficiently managed could significantly reduce traffic congestion caused by the proliferation of small and medium transport vehicles at key destinations, including Shillong. With the increasing registration of new vehicles, mitigating traffic congestion, whether in Shillong or other district headquarters, poses a significant challenge. The Shillong Urban Mobility Policy and the Meghalaya Parking Policy introduced by the government recently which aimed at addressing these challenges may take years to show results if both are ever implemented.
The most obvious solution to prevent further congestion for now is to impose stringent regulations on new vehicle registrations, not just in Shillong but also in other congested district headquarters barring registering those justified or essential ones . Several developed countries have implemented efficient models to restrict the purchase or registration of new private vehicles in order to reduce traffic congestion. It however depends on the state government’s willingness to adopt and enforce such models here .
Nonetheless, a potential starting point could be to regulate the maximum number of vehicles each household is allowed to register based on specific criteria. Additionally, making it mandatory to provide proof of a designated parking space, certified by the local Durbar authority, before approving new vehicle registrations. Currently, many registered vehicles who do not have such parking spaces are parked along roadsides in various localities within Shillong, either during the day or overnight, a situation that is understood to also occur in other district headquarters. Such roadside parking not only clogs local roads but also worsens overall congestion when these vehicles are driven within the city or towns. Moreover, overnight parking on narrow city lanes impedes emergency services, a concern recently highlighted by the Deputy Commissioner of East Khasi Hills district.
The effort of the government to reduce traffic congestion within Shillong by the introduction of STEMS(Sustainable Transport and Efficient Mobility Society) which started operating a small fleet of buses for student commutes is well appreciated . This is one of the potential solutions to the worsening traffic congestion . It also lays the groundwork for a well-structured transport model that could eventually be expanded to public transport if promoted .
It may, however, be unfeasible for STEMS to operate school buses indefinitely. Presently, STEMS is efficiently administered by its current CEO, Isawanda Laloo, an IAS officer but as in any government organization, there are potential leadership changes in this establishment as well which could lead to administrative inconsistencies and likely to inefficiency. Additionally, STEMS may face financial constraints in expanding its fleet to meet growing demands. Instead, prominent schools in Shillong could take the initiative to operate their own bus services for their students – an approach already adopted by many schools in Indian cities and even by some schools in Shillong and Jowai. The management model of the STEMS bus may be adopted in these school buses.
If state government officials who are not entitled to a government vehicle were to commute to their offices by bus, if arranged by the government at reasonable fares , it would set an example to parents of students to opt for school buses for their children as well . This will help reduce traffic congestion during peak hours and also free up parking spaces (often occupied by these private vehicles of these officials’ around government offices and the Secretariats in Shillong) for members of the public visiting the offices for work.
Meanwhile, the government has proposed to establish an Administrative Complex in Shillong’s new township with the aim of easing congestion in the city. This is a sound initiative for long term solutions. However , its outcome largely depends on whether a significant number of office workers prefer to shift from their current deep rooted establishments and who may not be easily persuaded by incentives or relocation offers, if any. Consequently, they would continue commuting through Shillong roads by private or commercial vehicles to reach their new workplaces thus undermining the primary objective of the initiative. Incidentally, the road leading to the new township is already showing signs of traffic buildup, particularly during morning hours.
Ultimately, addressing traffic congestion requires a multi-faceted approach that balances regulations with sustainable alternatives. Imposing restrictions on vehicle registrations can be an effective measure but it must be complemented by adequate and improved public transportation, sound urban planning and awareness campaigns for public participation .Success will depend on the government’s bold measures and public’s willingness to adapt to necessary changes.