Traffic Circus: Manipur Style
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, September 21 2016: Dingko Road which serves as a key link between Imphal West and Imphal East district is one of the most congested roads of Imphal city particularly between Khongnang Ani Karakand Pandol Road junction.

One major factor for congestion along the 0.5 Kms long section is the shops which flank both sides of the road.

A large section of the road is occupied by rows of vehicles which belong to shoppers, shop owners and salesmen thereby creating traffic congestion.

The shops opened along both sides of Dingko Road have their positive sides if one takes into consideration the fact that all the people go to Khwairamband market for literally everything they need.

Yet, the area smacks of absence of proper planning.

It could have been much better if the area was developed as a modern market complex with proper planning.

Parking vehicles along the road is neither right nor desirable.

The road stretch would become highly congested once the Inter-State Bus Terminus (ISBT) is commissioned.

Once the ISBT is commissioned, there would be regular movement of inter-State buses between the terminus and Khongnang Ani Karak before they reach Imphal-Dimapur highway.

The authorities concerned need to consider the possible traffic scenario and take up necessary measures starting from now.

The impact of traffic congestion caused by buses turning at right angle from Khongnang Ani Karak to Imphal-Dimapur highway may reach North AOC to the South, new Civil Secretariat to the North, Thangmeiband Lilashing Khongnangkhong to the West and Lamlong Keithel to the East.

The situation may grow worse if the IOC's Chingmeirong depot is not shifted to the rail-fed oil depot of Malom as soon as possible.

The State Government developed a secured office complex just adjacent to the road leading to the 2nd MR complex a few years back.

Before the secured office complex was developed, there was parking space for some vehicles within the same complex.

But after the secured office complex was developed, half the breadth of Imphal-Dimapur highway has been converted into parking lots.

The offices located within the complex may be secured but movement of vehicles along the highway near the complex is becoming more and more difficult.

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