Shillong, August 7: The East Khasi Hills district administration has banned heavy and commercial vehicles from parking on National Highway carriageways and paved shoulders with immediate effect, citing Supreme Court directions and public safety concerns.
In an order issued, District Magistrate Abhilash Baranwal invoked Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, to prohibit parking, halting or standing of heavy and commercial vehicles on NH stretches in the district except at designated parking bays, lay-byes or Wayside Amenities.
The order follows a Supreme Court directive dated April 13, 2026 in Suo Motu Writ Petition No. 9 of 2025 _(In Re: Phalodi Accident)_, which mandated strict enforcement against parking on highways to prevent accidents. The court had entrusted enforcement to district administrations across the country.
The DM noted that vehicles were being habitually parked on NH carriageways and shoulders within East Khasi Hills, obstructing traffic and endangering lives. This, the order said, violates Section 122 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 and the powers under Section 35 of the Control of National Highways (Land and Traffic) Act, 2002.
Citing urgency, the administration said there was no time to serve individual notices. The ban will remain in force for two months from August 7, 2026, unless withdrawn or modified earlier.
Violators will face action under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, along with penalties under Section 122 read with Section 177 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988.
The order will be displayed at conspicuous locations along NH stretches, at police stations and transport check-gates for public information.
Officials said the move aims to decongest highways, ensure smoother traffic, flow and prevent fatal accidents involving parked commercial vehicles.
