Dimapur, October 11 (MExN): Organisations representing truck owners and drivers from Dimapur, Kohima and Pfütsero have appealed to the Nagaland Chief Secretary to revoke the recent State Government’s order restricting the movement of vehicles beyond 3 Axle along the National Highway stretch from Dimapur-Kohima-Khuzama. The restriction for a period of one month will be imposed from October 13 to November 13.
In a representation to the Chief Secretary, the Co-ordination Committee of Kohima District Truck Drivers and Owners’ Union, Dimapur District Truck Owners’ Association, Dimapur Truck Drivers Union and Pfütsero Town Truck Owners and Drivers’ Union stated the restriction was imposed without giving any valid reason.
Hence, it supersedes the Motor Vehicle Act which has clearly given the Axle load limit for goods transport vehicles all over India and not vice versa, the Committee argued.
Accordingly, it requested the Chief Secretary to revoke the said order and allow “vehicle of any Axle carrying ‘UNDERLOAD’ to pass the National Highway without any restriction or prohibition if load limit is as per the Government guideline.”
This is the standard practise nation-wide, the Committee pointed out, adding that the restriction will hamper the business of the transporters, vehicle owners, drivers and the consumers as a whole.
The Committee will co-operate with the State Government if the specifications of load limit is followed as per the Motor Vehicle Act, it added.
Urging the Chief Secretary to resolve the issue with all seriousness, the Committee stated that it would be compelled to seek justice elsewhere if it is not addressed.
As per a notification from the Transport Department on October 6, the movement of all heavy three-axle and above vehicles along the NH stretch from Dimapur-Kohima-Khuzama for one month. However, heavy vehicles carrying material from Dimapur up to Molvom/Pherima for the Dhansiri to Zubza rail project will be exempt, it said.
The notification further instructed the Motor Vehicles Department to coordinate with the District Administration and the Police to enforce the directive and to place appropriate signs at suitable locations, as per Section 116 of the MV Act, 1988.
