SHILLONG, Aug 31 — A joint inspection by the All Meghalaya Truck Owners, Drivers and Welfare Association (AMTODWA) with officials from the National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) and the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) on Monday, Aug 31, found usable truck parking on the Assam side of the Mawryngkneng–Jorabat highway but exposed a shortage of lay-bys on the Meghalaya stretch. The association has urged authorities to develop dedicated parking so truckers have safe places to rest and perform basic vehicle checks.
AMTODWA vice-president Dapkupar Nongrum said the team identified a site in Assam that is comparatively suitable for conversion into a truck lay-by, but accumulation of soil and dumped waste there means it needs clearing and development. He added that the association has asked NHIDCL to seek access to a large government-owned plot that could be converted into a designated parking facility for heavy vehicles.
Nongrum warned that the shortage of marked parking areas creates hardship for drivers, who are often asked by police to move on when they stop along the highway. “Drivers need a safe place to park, rest and carry out basic checks of their vehicles. Proper lay-bys would go a long way in addressing these problems,” he said, adding that AMTODWA and NHIDCL will continue to work together to identify suitable land and have urged police to exercise restraint until facilities are available.
Association general secretary W. Warlarpih said the inspection made clear that while Assam has some parking provision, the Meghalaya side lacks lay-bys. He noted that trucks departing Meghalaya frequently must travel as far as Jorabat to find a designated stopping place, creating added difficulty for drivers.
Warlarpih also pointed to a road at Umdihar controlled by a road construction company which has declined to permit truck parking without government approval. Road agencies have indicated suitable land exists in Assam, but any plan to use government land will require the necessary clearances.
NHIDCL told the team that two truck lay-bys have been provided on the Jorabat–Barapani stretch at Km Ch 2+200 to 2+450 and Km Ch 3+450 to 4+070 (both on the left-hand side), and another lay-by is at Km Ch 104+000 on the Jowai–Ratacherra stretch.
The association said it is ready to collaborate with the government and highway authorities to secure adequate parking and rest facilities for truckers, improving safety for heavy vehicles and other road users.
Original Source: https://theshillongtimes.com/2026/09/01/truckers-seek-dedicated-parking-facilities-along-mawryngkneng-jorabat-highway/
Category: MEGHALAYA
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Publish Date: 2026-09-01 05:32:00
