Heavy, multi-axle vehicles barred from entering Thane city for 18 hrs daily | Thane News – Times of India

THANE: In a major decision, the Thane Police in Maharashtra has barred entry of all heavy and multi-axle vehicles within the city limits for 18 hours daily between 5am and 11 pm, starting Wednesday, officials informed Tuesday.

As per the plans, all vehicles that have eight wheels and above including multi-axle will be denied entry into the city limits during the specified time.
The police claim this step will help minimise congestion on city roads by overlapping domestic and freight vehicles.

The restriction would also ensure uninterrupted and faster movement of domestic vehicles travelling within and beyond the city limits.
The restriction will be implemented starting Wednesday, DCP traffic, Dr Vinay Rathod said.
The enforcement will be in force for next 30 days and vehicles will be regulated at the entry points of all prominent highways at Mumbai, Bhiwandi, Vasai, etc, and local authorities have been asked to make arrangements for parking these vehicles, officials said.
It may be noted that chief minister Eknath Shinde had recently suggested creation of parking bays along the entry points of highways as an alternative to berth these heavy vehicles especially during peak hours.
Simultaneously, agencies have also been told to undertake repair works of the highways including the Mumbai-Nashik and Ghodbunder road during this period.
Meanwhile, transporters said the decision may end up clogging the cities bordering Thane and also cause escalation in logistic costs.
Industry players added it was the responsibility of the government to develop infrastructure like good roads that don’t develop potholes.
Such last minute restrictions would mean that the transport industry is unnecessarily punished and unwary drivers would end up being penalised for entering city limits.
“We are unaware of the decision and this is a matter of concern as the supply chain will be affected due to delays. Already, there is a six hour imposition and increasing the duration will only add to problems as vehicles will have to be parked on highways outside the city. The decision must be reviewed,” said Bal Malkit Singh, chairman core committee of All India Motor Transport Congress.