Heavy Vehicles Face ‘No Entry’ in Nuapada: Daytime Restrictions Imposed in Key Urban Areas

Nuapada, August 26: In a major step towards strengthening road safety and streamlining traffic movement, the Nuapada district administration has imposed time-bound restrictions on the movement of heavy goods vehicles on NH-353 and the Biju Expressway, covering the urban areas of Khariar Road, Nuapada and Khariar NAC. The decision has been taken in view of increasing traffic congestion caused by heavy vehicles during daytime hours, which has been affecting the safe movement of school students, pedestrians and commuters. Nuapada Collector and District Magistrate Madhusudan Dash issued the order by exercising powers under Section 115 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, and Rule 173 of the Odisha Motor Vehicles Rules, 1993. As per the order, heavy goods vehicles will not be permitted to enter the notified routes from 7:00 AM to 1:00 PM and again from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM. During the restricted hours, heavy vehicles will have to remain parked at designated locations identified by the district administration. To ensure effective implementation of the restriction, check points have been established at strategic entry points. For Khariar Road NAC, a check point will be located near the Jalaram Temple at Jank. In Nuapada NAC, check points have been identified near Sahipala on the Biju Expressway for vehicles approaching from Padampur, near Ghatipada for vehicles coming from the Dharamgarh side on the Biju Expressway, and near Ghatipada for vehicles entering from Komna via NH-353. For Khariar NAC, check points will be located near Padampur on NH-59 for vehicles coming from Bangomunda and Balangir, and near Gosala on SH-16 for vehicles approaching from Bhawanipatna and Kalahandi. However, heavy vehicles transporting essential commodities have been exempted from the ‘No Entry’ restriction. The administration stated that the move aims to reduce traffic congestion, improve road safety and ensure safer movement of the general public. Heavy vehicle owners, drivers and transport operators have been urged to strictly follow the prescribed timings and comply with the restrictions.