Shillong, May 13: Commercial vehicles travelling from Umiam towards Shillong will be allowed to use the newly completed Umiam bridge bypass from May 14 following its formal inauguration on Tuesday, according to an order issued by the East Khasi Hills district administration.
The order, issued by the office of the Deputy Commissioner of East Khasi Hills district, stated that the bypass has been opened to facilitate smoother movement of heavy vehicles and night super buses entering Shillong from the Ri-Bhoi side. However, authorities have imposed strict restrictions on the timing and category of vehicles permitted to use the route.
According to the order, commercial vehicles, including night super buses, will only be allowed to ply through the bypass between 9 pm and 7 am daily. Articulated vehicles have been prohibited from using the road, while only rigid vehicles with up to three axles and a maximum gross weight of 28.5 tonnes will be permitted.
The administration has also made it compulsory for all night super buses to park at the Inter-State Bus Terminal (ISBT) at Mawiong. Parking of such buses will not be allowed at the Shillong Recreation Ground Trust area at Polo, the Shillong Municipal Board parking lot at Dhankheti, along the Itshyrwat-New Shillong road, the Shillong-Jowai road or any other location within Shillong city limits.
Officials said the restrictions are intended to regulate traffic flow and prevent congestion within the city while ensuring smoother entry of goods carriers and long-distance buses through the bypass corridor.
The Deputy Commissioner has directed police, transport authorities and other concerned departments to ensure strict enforcement of the restrictions and deploy adequate traffic personnel at key junctions round the clock.
