New traffic system from Feb 13
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, February 10, 2012:
As an experimental measure to reduce traffic congestion, the Government has decided to ban entry of vehicles in Paona Keithel and Thangal Keithel from February 13. In a press conference held at the conference hall of Transport Department, DSP Traffic, Y Victoria said, the ban would be imposed permanently if the experi-ment shows positive results.
Thangal Keithel and Paona Keithel would be declared as pedestrian zone and no vehicle would be allowed to enter at these market areas from 9 pm to 1 pm and 3 pm to 5 pm, she added.
However, vehicles for hospitals, police on duty and fire service would be exempted from the said ban, the DSP said.
Informing that all the vehicles would be driven out from these market areas starting 8 am everyday, Y Victoria said that only the vehicles which have authentic proof of having garage inside the market areas would be allowed to enter.
She contended that the main reason for traffic congestion in Khwairamband market is parking of vehicles by people residing at the market areas and staff of different offices.
Victoria however said that thelas would be allowed to enter at Thangal Keithel in the interest of shoppers.
Taking part in the press conference, Transport Director BK Sharma expressed concern that the measure is being initiated as the traffic congestion at Khairamband Keithel is alarming.
Although, different measures have been taken up to ease traffic congestion, no positive result could be seen so far due to absence of proper land use planning and lack of co-ordination among different Government Departments, he added.
Transport Deputy Director Shivdas said, deliberations are being made to regulate traffic by dividing Imphal city into four zones.
Using of trolleys like in Imphal airport is also in the agenda, the Deputy Director added.