27,000 new vehicles applied for registration in 2023 alone
Shillong, Oct 5: Meghalaya State Planning Board (MSPB) has expressed concern over the “alarming” rise in new registration of vehicles in the state especially in East Khasi Hills district.
During a presentation to the MSPB on Friday, the Transport department stated that over 10,000 four-wheelers and 17,000 two-wheelers applied for registration in the state during 2023 alone.
State PWD, Transport and NHIDCL officials gave detailed presentations to MSPB members in a meeting headed by Board chairman Metbah Lyngdoh.
With capital city Shillong, East Khasi Hills district recorded the highest registration of vehicles.
“The state has seen 10,000 four-wheelers and over 17,000 two-wheelers registration in 2023 which is alarming,” said Board member John F Kharshiing after the meeting.
The meeting underline the need to limit maximum two cars per household as was done in other countries besides the introduction of odd-even systems in congested areas and mandatory parking space for purchase of vehicles, he said.
Meanwhile, the PWD made a presentation on road infrastructure including upcoming highways at Umshyrpi and flyovers up to Barik.
The meeting also advocated for ISBT-like terminals around Shillong to prevent commercial vehicles from entering the city. Online taxis and embarking and disembarking stations were among the solutions offered at the meeting. Shortage of traffic personnel in the city was also highlighted in the meeting.
Meanwhile, MSPB has decided to examine the presentations of Urban, PWD, Transport and police before making comprehensive recommendations to the government to address the problem of congestion in the city.
