By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, May 12: After years of detours for heavy commercial vehicles travelling towards Shillong, the newly-constructed Umiam Bypass will be opened for regulated traffic movement from May 14, with the East Khasi Hills district administration issuing fresh restrictions and guidelines ahead of its inauguration on Wednesday.
The move also signals a likely gradual return of night super buses to the Inter-State Bus Terminal (ISBT), Mawiong, after several buses had stopped operating up to the terminal following restrictions linked to traffic congestion and road safety concerns along the Umiam stretch.
In an order issued on Tuesday, the Deputy Commissioner stated that commercial vehicles, including night super buses, will be allowed to use the bypass route from Umiam towards Shillong subject to specified conditions.
According to the order, commercial vehicles and night super buses will be permitted to ply through the bypass only between 9 pm and 7 am daily.
Only rigid vehicles with a maximum of three axles will be allowed to use the bypass. These include vehicles having two tyres on the front axle and eight tyres on two tandem rear axles, with a maximum gross vehicle weight of 28.5 tonnes.
Meanwhile, all night super buses have been directed to compulsorily park at the ISBT, Mawiong.
The order further stated that night buses will not be allowed to park at SRGT, Polo, the Shillong Municipal Board parking lot at Dhankheti, along the Itshyrwat-New Shillong Road, Shillong-Jowai Road, or any other place within Shillong city except the ISBT at Mawiong.
