For several months, the Inter-State Bus Terminal (ISBT) in Shillong has remained closed, causing significant inconvenience for travellers, particularly those needing to reach the Barak Valley, Mizoram or Agartala or coming from those areas. With the ongoing restrictions on the Umiam bridge, night super buses and other vehicles are required to halt at Umiam, forcing passengers to make alternate travel arrangements to reach Shillong.
Speaking to Mediapersons, Power Minister AT Mondal said there is no question of lifting the load restriction on vehicles plying over the bridge.
He informed that the state government has engaged consultants to find an alternative road to ensure all types of vehicles can come to Shillong without having to ply through the Umiam bridge.
“The government has engaged consultants also and they are working on to see that an alternative road is made to see that all types of vehicles can come to Shillong,” he added.
The Minister further said as far as ISBT at Mawiong is concerned, it will require some time to get alternative roads to serve its purpose.
“The bridge restriction is going to stay for quite a long time because with time the condition of the bridge will deteriorate more, so how can we expect that the ban will be lifted for any vehicle?” he said.
“As per the consultants, they said that no vehicles more than 9 MT should be allowed through the bridge so that is why we are restricting,” he added.