Shillong, Oct 20: The All Meghalaya Truck Owners and Drivers Welfare Association (AMTODWA) has questioned the sharp rise in trading licences issued to non-tribal transporters by the Jaintia Hills Autonomous District Council (JHADC), alleging that local operators continue to face shrinking business opportunities and persistent traffic congestion.
Addressing the media after obtaining information through a Right to Information (RTI) application, AMTODWA president Wanshuwa Nongtdu said the number of trading licences issued to non-local transporters increased from 36 in March 2026 to 53 in September.
“Within a span of just six months, as many as 17 new trade licenses have been issued to outside transporters. As of March 18, 2026, there were 36, but by September 23, 17 new ones were added, taking the total to 53,” Nongtdu said.
He expressed concern that indigenous transporters were losing economic opportunities despite having the capacity to undertake the work.
Nongtdu said the association had submitted a representation to the JHADC Executive Member in charge of Trade on March 19, seeking a halt to the issuance of new licences and prioritisation of local operators.
“We had submitted a representation to our Executive Member in charge of Trade on March 19, requesting a halt on issuing new licenses because we have local people who are fully capable of carrying out this work. Priority should first be given to our local people.
However, opportunities are being blocked for local indigenous transporters while trade activities have severely declined,” he said.
The association said its concerns had not been addressed despite the representation.
Nongtdu also raised concerns over delays in completing designated truck lay-bys being developed by the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) to ease congestion along major transport routes.
He said trucks frequently obstruct traffic along the Shillong-Sohra stretch, creating difficulties for smaller private vehicles and emergency services.
“I feel deeply concerned for small private vehicles and ambulances when they move through heavily congested traffic, as trucks often block the entire Shillong-Sohra stretch. So far, this initiative has not been successful,” he said.
AMTODWA urged the authorities to expedite the development of truck lay-bys, address traffic bottlenecks and safeguard the economic interests of local transporters.
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