ICP Road Turns into a ‘Setting’ Parking Zone: Who Is Behind the Alleged Truck Cutting Racket at Sonauli Border?

Sonauli, Maharajganj:

The Sonauli border on the India–Nepal frontier is once again at the center of controversy over the alleged practice of truck “cutting” and illegal roadside parking. Local residents claim that, under the pretext of regulating the movement of heavy vehicles, trucks are being diverted and parked along the Integrated Check Post (ICP) Road and its service lane, leading to road encroachment and an increased risk of traffic accidents.

According to local residents, the alleged operation begins at the Kunserwa Bypass, where trucks are reportedly stopped based on an unofficial “setting” arrangement. Instead of being directed through the designated route, they are allegedly instructed to park along the ICP Road and service lane. As a result, commuters, local motorists, and cross-border travelers are said to face frequent inconvenience and traffic congestion.

Sources further allege that approximately ₹3,000 or more per truck is collected as part of this alleged arrangement. However, who is orchestrating the operation remains unclear and is the subject of growing public concern. Sources also claim that the alleged amount varies depending on the time and prevailing circumstances.

Residents say that although the administration has repeatedly claimed to have taken action against illegal parking and truck-cutting activities, there has been little visible improvement on the ground. The continued presence of heavy vehicles on the ICP Road and service lane reportedly causes traffic bottlenecks and raises the risk of accidents.

The key question now is whether the administration will conduct a fair and impartial investigation into the allegations, identify those responsible, take appropriate legal action, and ensure that the ICP Road and service lane are cleared of encroachments.