Ri-Bhoi police personnel crack down on illegally parked trucks along NH-6

NONGPOH, Oct 24: In response to long-standing public complaints over illegal parking of heavy trucks along National Highway-6, the Ri-Bhoi Police on Friday launched a major enforcement operation from Byrnihat to Jorabat, a stretch that has long remained a bottleneck for commuters travelling in and out of Meghalaya.
The drive, led by Superintendent of Police (SP) Vivekanand Singh Rathore and Additional Superintendent of Police Orville Massar, aimed to ensure smooth vehicular movement and prevent traffic congestion and accidents, many of which in the past have resulted in loss of lives.
Speaking to the media persons, Rathore said the issue has been one of the most common concerns raised by the public, government officials and various stakeholders.
He noted that although the highway is free on both sides, the narrow stretch of about 5-7 kilometres often gets heavily choked because trucks are parked illegally, blocking nearly half of one lane.
Rathore explained that the main cause behind the congestion is the restriction on entry of heavy vehicles into Guwahati during daytime. As a temporary measure, the police have directed truckers to take a turn under the Jorabat flyover and park along the Sonapur side of the highway, where vehicle movement and residential density are lower.
The SSP informed that apart from clearing illegally parked trucks, the police also carried out checks for helmet and seatbelt violations, drunken driving and other traffic offences.
Nearly 70 percent of the trucks parked along the stretch were removed during the day, while a few remained due to mechanical breakdowns.
Patrolling teams will continue monitoring the stretch every one to two hours, with the operation scheduled to continue for at least the next five to six days.
Meanwhile, the SP issued a clear warning to heavy vehicle drivers not to park between the white highway lines meant to be kept unobstructed for traffic.
Informing that the police would impose strict penalties, with fines increasing for repeated violations, Rathore said, “We do not want to cause financial loss or inconvenience, but safety comes first. A single instance of wrong parking can result in an accident and cost an innocent life.”
Rathore also cautioned roadside motor garages operating along the highway, stating that repair work must not obstruct the carriageway.
He warned that garages operating without designated parking spaces may face heavy penalties and even closure under magisterial powers if they continue to occupy portions of the national highway and cause public inconvenience.
Rathore further noted a noticeable decline in fatal accidents in recent weeks due to continuous enforcement drives, although minor incidents are still being reported. He reiterated that the police empathise with truck drivers and are aware of the hardships they face, but responsibility and adherence to traffic norms are non-negotiable.
Police sources informed that by 7 pm, fines amounting to approximately ₹5 lakh had already been collected through e-Challan, and checking operations were continuing.