Relief for Stranded Trucks: Restrictions on HMVs lifted on NH-2

November 20, 2024 1 View No Comment

Morung Express News
Dimapur/Kohima | November 20

In a relief to several trucks stranded along National Highway (NH-29), the Deputy Commissioner of Kohima announced on Tuesday the lifting of vehicle axle restrictions on heavy motor vehicles (HMVs) travelling on NH-2 in Kohima District, effective immediately.

According to the state DIPR, the decision follows a work and safety report from the National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) and a meeting held at the Kohima DC Office regarding the movement of HMVs on NH-2.

It must be noted that HMVs with more than three axles had been restricted from travelling beyond Chathe River Bridge towards Kohima since 11 PM on October 25, reportedly due to a Road Safety Audit conducted by NHIDCL.

The restriction remained in place until clearance was granted by NHIDCL, according to a traffic advisory then issued by the Office of the Commissioner, Dimapur.

Since then, several trucks bound for Manipur have been stranded along various stretches of NH-29.

On November 19, drivers stranded on the NH-29 Dimapur Bypass expressed relief over news of possible lifting of the restriction but noted that ongoing violence in Manipur still created uncertainty for their journey.

A driver from Rajasthan, bound for Imphal, shared that it had been a month since he left home, and he had been stranded on the bypass since October 26.

He recalled being stranded in the same stretch during the previous blockage in August-September for ten days.

During their nearly four-week ordeal, drivers reported receiving no assistance from government agencies, trucker unions, or any other organisations.

While they carried utensils and essential food items for meals, they had to rely on ‘pay and use’ facilities for daily hygiene, the driver explained.

His companion, who had also been stranded for nearly four weeks, concurred.

Meanwhile, according to the State DIPR, the DC of Kohima stated that, based on NHIDCL recommendations, the maximum allowable total vehicle weight (including load) on NH-02 in Kohima District has been set at 30 tonnes.