Traffic congestion in Imphal: Who is to blame ?
It is the policy that matters, nothing else !

DS Hijam *

Traffic congestion in Imphal

Traffic congestion problem is not new in Imphal city. But no lasting solution seems to be on the horizon.

Here, we can ask why is this problem, who is responsible and as a public what can we do?

Regarding the 'why', we can say it is because of the rapid urbanization of the city before it has a proper infrastructure to capacitate this change.

Responsibility for this problem cannot be put entirely on anybody.

But the Govt should own it as they are the representative of the people. They should have a longer vision and known the oncoming problem before it becomes out-of-hand.

Here, one can look into the comment of Daya Rajkumar, a member of the group, 'Traffic problem in Imphal: Who is to blame', a newly open group on Facebook – '..traffic problem (in Imphal is) bound to happen (as Imphal is a).. small city, (having) small roads...pack(ed) up with second hand vehicles (which are considered junks in other developed States like West Bengal and Delhi.

(And the) most horrible (thing) is what the SBI is doing, they think it is) secure enough to grant loan to/for auto rickshaw (to) the unemployed youths...that's (not) all but the solution (for this problem) is the very PUBLIC TRANSPORT'. Just imagine bus services for everywhere in every 5 minutes' gap, to have a good ring road. So, ultimately it is the policy that matters, nothing else.

Another suggestion, made by Neken Singh Seram, another member, is worth looking into -

1. Shifting of schools located at Khwairamband Bazar area.
2. Shifting of Govt offices/banks etc from the Khwairamband Bazar area
3. Shifting of Governors Raj Bhavan to a suitable place in the outskirts of the city.
4. Not allowing any type of vehicle inside the market area — except proposed city bus round the clock—availability should be in a frequency of every 5 minutes
5. Four huge parking places—proposed at north, south, east, west. City bus will carry people from parking to market.

Then the congestions will somewhat be reduced.

But it will be difficult to find a solution for this problem and to formulate one in a few days.

While framing a rule the Police Department, Motor Vehicle Department, Imphal Municipality, PWD, PHED, Electricity, Town Planning Department etc should put their heads together.

Here, I don't say 'public should be invited' because it is doubtful that anyone in the Government will want any comments, opinions and suggestions from the public.

The draft, the rule made after this extensive discussion should be made aware to the public.

Here, one may want to add some more points and also find some points which are not feasible. And as a public it is our duty to obey the traffic rules laid down by the concerned authority by not driving on the wrong way, not parking on the no parking zone, not jumping the red light (which are not working properly!), not bribing the traffic police, not letting immature children to drive, keeping space for left turn at crossings etc etc.

(If this is too much for the public to follow that it will be better not to drive at all).

But the big question is - Will the concerned persons who frame the rules and those who have to regulate it be able to regard the rules ?

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* DS Hijam wrote this article for The Sangai Express
This article was webcasted on July 30, 2011.

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