Shillong, August 7: The East Khasi Hills district administration has prohibited heavy and commercial vehicles from parking or halting on the carriageway or paved shoulders of National Highways within the district, except at designated parking bays, lay-bys or Wayside Amenities.
The order, issued by District Magistrate Abhilash Baranwal, IAS, on August 7, comes into immediate effect and will remain valid for two months, unless withdrawn or modified earlier.
According to the order, the restriction follows directions issued by the Supreme Court on April 13, 2026, in connection with the Phalodi accident case, directing that no heavy or commercial vehicle should park or stop on the carriageway or paved shoulder of any National Highway except at designated facilities.
The district administration said heavy and commercial vehicles have been habitually parked on National Highway carriageways and shoulders within East Khasi Hills, obstructing traffic and posing a danger to human life.
Citing the need for immediate preventive measures to protect motorists and ensure smooth traffic movement, the District Magistrate issued the order under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023.
Under the order, no driver, owner or person in charge of a heavy or commercial vehicle is permitted to park, halt or cause the vehicle to stand on the carriageway or paved shoulder of a National Highway, except at authorised parking locations.
Violation of the order will be punishable under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, in addition to action under Section 122 read with Section 177 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988.
The administration has also directed that the order be publicised at conspicuous locations along the affected National Highway stretches, police stations and transport check-gates to ensure compliance.
