Shillong, October 28: The Hynñiewtrep Integrated Territorial Organization (HITO), Ri-Bhoi District, has urged the Meghalaya Government to urgently install a permanent weighbridge at Umïam to prevent overloaded heavy vehicles from crossing the newly constructed bridge and ensure strict enforcement of the prescribed 28.5 metric tonne gross vehicle weight limit.
In a memorandum submitted to the Commissioner of Transport, Government of Meghalaya, HITO expressed concern over the absence of a proper weighing facility before the bridge, stating that the authorities may face difficulties in determining the actual weight of loaded trucks and taking action against vehicles exceeding the permissible limit.
The memorandum, signed by HITO Ri-Bhoi Secretary Marrius Mallai and HITO Central Body Political Secretary Gary Myrboh, pointed out that the traffic restrictions displayed at the Umïam Bridge Bypass prescribe a maximum gross vehicle weight of 28.5 metric tonnes, along with restrictions on vehicle configurations, movement timings and the entry of articulated or trailer vehicles. HITO maintained that these restrictions are necessary to safeguard the newly constructed bridge and ensure the safety of commuters and other road users.
The organisation observed that visual inspections alone cannot accurately determine the weight of trucks transporting coal, cement, stone, sand and other heavy materials. It warned that allowing overloaded vehicles to cross the bridge could place excessive stress on the structure, increase the risk of accidents and cause premature deterioration.
HITO also referred to the Meghalaya Transport Department’s public notice dated May 20, 2026, concerning unauthorised modifications to the bodies of goods-carrying vehicles, stressing that effective weight verification and regular vehicle inspections are essential for enforcing existing transport regulations. Among its key demands, the organisation called for the installation of a properly equipped and calibrated permanent weighbridge at a strategic location before the entry point to the newly constructed bridge. It further urged the authorities to introduce continuous monitoring of heavy vehicles without causing unnecessary traffic congestion and to initiate appropriate legal action against those found violating the prescribed weight limit.
HITO also sought coordinated enforcement involving the District Administration, Traffic Police, District Transport Officer, Transport Department and relevant engineering authorities to ensure effective implementation of the restrictions. The organisation demanded regular inspections of goods-carrying vehicles to detect unauthorised extensions and modifications to vehicle bodies in accordance with the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, and applicable rules.
Pending the establishment of a permanent weighbridge, HITO suggested deploying temporary or mobile weighing facilities and conducting regular inspections at suitable locations before the bridge. It also urged the government to initiate the necessary technical assessment, administrative approvals, funding arrangements and construction process at the earliest, while providing a clear timeline for implementation.
Clarifying that its demand was not intended to obstruct lawful transportation or commercial activities, HITO said its primary objective was to protect public infrastructure, ensure road safety and secure compliance with the prescribed weight restrictions. “The authorities should not wait for bridge damage, a serious accident or loss of life before establishing the necessary preventive infrastructure,” the organisation stated in its memorandum.
HITO appealed to the Transport Commissioner to treat the matter as urgent and provide a written response detailing the proposed measures and timeline for establishing the permanent weighbridge at Umïam.
