B Henok Buchem met NEFTOD&TU representatives to discuss restrictions on heavy vehicle movement along NH-29 and NH-2 and proposals to ease transport disruptions.
DIMAPUR — Deputy Commissioner of Kohima, B Henok Buchem, on Tuesday chaired a meeting with representatives of the North East Federation of Truck Owners & Drivers Union (NEFTOD&TU) at his office chamber to discuss concerns over restrictions on the movement of heavy vehicles along NH-29 and NH-2, as well as other issues affecting the trucking community.
According to a DIPR report, Buchem acknowledged receipt of the federation's representation and said the concerns raised by the truckers extended beyond a single state or union and had wider regional implications.
Recalling the cooperation extended by the trucking community during past interstate disruptions, he assured the federation that the administration would examine the issues through consultation and coordination.
He also urged the union to cooperate with the administration in addressing issues such as the identification of abandoned vehicles and unnecessary honking.
Referring to the ongoing construction of the Kohima bypass and the fragile condition of NH-29 and NH-2 during the monsoon season, Buchem said the restriction on the movement of 10-wheel configuration and overloaded heavy vehicles from June to October 2026 was a temporary measure.
Read more local news: 30 landslides block NH-2 as Mokokchung shifts to rehabilitation
He said the decision was taken following deliberations at the Chief Minister's meeting held on May 29 to ensure road safety and the uninterrupted movement of traffic.
Speaking on behalf of the federation, the NEFTOD&TU president thanked the district administration for convening the meeting and appealed for a review of the restriction on heavy vehicle movement along the Kohima–Mao stretch of NH-2.
He said the suspension had caused severe financial hardship to truck owners and drivers, many of whom were repaying vehicle loans, and requested the administration to consider allowing 16-wheel trucks carrying up to 35 metric tonnes under regulated conditions.
The federation also proposed the formation of a joint monitoring committee comprising officials from the district administration, police, Transport department, NHIDCL/PWD, and representatives of the union to oversee vehicle movement and enforce weight regulations.
Among its recommendations were mandatory weighing of trucks at designated weighbridges with clearance slips, strict action against overloading, deployment of union representatives during weight checks, identification of alternate routes for overloaded vehicles, and periodic updates from NHIDCL on the progress of bridge repairs along with a definite timeline for the restoration of normal traffic.
The federation further suggested monitoring vehicle loads at the Dimapur weighbridge and requested that the restrictions remain time-bound to minimise disruption to the transport of essential commodities and trade.