The local administration has allowed heavy vehicles to ply on BP Highway from Thursday after the Supreme Court (SC) quashed an interim order issued by a single bench of Justice Sapana Pradhan Malla on July 15.

Transport businessperson Kanchha Man Bal who had petitioned the SC on June 26 to lift the ban on heavy vehicles welcomed the decision.

“We have got justice after a long time. Now, the passengers do not have to face difficulties and transportation will also be eased,” said Bal.

The business community protested against the ban and put pressure the government to allow heavy vehicles on the highway.

The BP Highway is the only route that links the four districts with the Tarai.

SP Rameshwor Prasad Yadav assured increased security checks and tightening time-card system to reduce road accidents.

Chief District Officer Gyan Prasad Dhakal said 32-seater vehicles and cargo vehicles weighing up to 16 tonnes have resumed plying on the highway.

Malla’s bench had directed the government not to allow heavy vehicles on the congested highway on June 4. The court ordered the government not to ply vehicles more than 10 tonnes at the BP Highway.

On May 27, the government allowed 32-seater vehicles and cargo vehicles weighing up to 16.2 tonnes to ply on the 158-kms highway which is  the shortest route connecting the Capital with Bardibas on the East West Highway.

The apex court directive had affected the daily life of people in Ramechhap, Dolakha, Okhaldhunga and Sindhuli.