Traffic signal system re-commissioned
Source: The Sangai Express / DIPR
Imphal, November 21 2018:
Chief Minister N Biren Singh re-commissioned the LED based traffic signal system at Kangla Western Gate today.
Speaking to media persons, N Biren said that traffic signal system had been installed at eight different places of Imphal city but it is fully operational at only two locations at present.
He further informed that the system would be functional at three other places by today evening or tomorrow morning, adding that it would be operational at the remaining three junctions within 10 days.
Observing that traffic sense among people has improved a lot in the past few weeks, the Chief Minister said that very few vehicles jump the stop line of zebra crossing nowadays.
Biren also said that necessary instructions had been given to the authority concerned to penalise traffic rule violators like driving without seat-belt and helmet in order to prevent road accidents and save precious lives.
Seeking co-operation from the public in the strict enforcement of traffic rules, he also urged the drivers to understand silent zone and avoid rash overtaking as well.
It may be mentioned that the Union Ministry of Urban Development sanctioned Rs 193.75 lakh for implementation of LED based traffic signal system in Imphal city a few years back.
MAHUD Department chose the State Public Works Department as the work agency for preparation of DPR within the scope of available fund provided by the Ministry.
PWD took up the project and selected M/S Sun Technologies, Secunderabad as the service provider through restricted tender to install traffic signals at General Post Office (GPO) junction, Governor junction, Kangla Western gate junction, North AOC crossing, Khoyathong junction, Keishampat junction, Kwakeithel and Singjamei.
Since 2013-14, due to lack of annual maintenance contract (AMC) and absence of fund allocation in the Transport Department coupled with involvement of many departments namely, MAHUD, PWD, Transport and Traffic Police with no specific responsibilities assigned, the LED based traffic signal system installed at eight locations were left abandoned/unattended and as a result many items, parts and components were either damaged or stolen/missing.
On October 20, 2018, the Chief Minister intervened and reviewed the status of LED based traffic signal system installed at the eight locations.
He then requested M/S Sun Technologies to take up immediate necessary action to make the systems functional.
Biren Singh also advised the Chief Secretary to name the Transport Department as the nodal agency for implementation, operation and maintenance of the system.
He also asked all concerned to ensure functioning of the system before the opening of Manipur Sangai Festival 2018.Traffic signals at GPO junction and Kangla western gate are functional now.
On the other hand, it is said that efforts are being made to start functioning of traffic signals at North AOC, Governor junction and Keishampat junction by November 22 while the traffic signals of Singjamei, Kwakeithel and Khoyathong will be operational by November 28.Manipur Legislative Assembly Deputy Speaker K Robindro, Tourism Corporation of Manipur Ltd Chairman Dr Sapam Ranjan, Manipur Building and Other Construction Workers' Welfare Board Chairman H Dingo, MLAs N Indrajit, Th Satyabrata, Chief Secretary Dr J Suresh Babu, Commissioner (Transport) M Lakhsmikumar and other high ranking officials were also present at the occasion.
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