CM Ibobi works out solution for traffic congestion
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, March 21 2012: Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh today informed the state Assembly that traffic congestion in Imphal city can be reduced by developing the nearby townships.

He was responding to a call attention motion raised by Opposition leader MLA I Ibohalbi in the Assembly session today.

Moving the motion, Dr Ibohalbi asserted that traffic congestion which has crept up in Imphal city during the past few years due to absence of proper city planning and transport policy in the state has become a social problem of Manipur.

Dr Ibohalbi said that as the traffic congestion is rising, almost all the staffs of various departments and the people in general are finding a hard time in moving around to perform their duties.

In the name of development works, roads are also being dug up right in the heart of Imphal city and this caused more problem for the people.

He further pointed out that there should be a specific traffic policy and transport policy in the state for proper streamlining of issue driving license and permits to vehicles.

Supplementing the motion, MLA Kh Joykishan said that the new traffic regulation imposed by the state government prohibiting entry of vehicles in Paona and Thangal Bazaar, though it is a means to curb traffic congestion, has created more congestion in the market area.

With the prohibition in the entry of vehicles in Paona and Thangal bazaar, the adjoining roads of Nagamapal and Kangla Park area filled with vehicles and traffic congestion is on the rise in these areas.

There is also the need for providing proper parking space.

In his response to the motion, Chief Minister O Ibobi said that only after all the towns around Imphal city are developed, the problem of traffic congestion in Imphal city could be solved.

The reason for the traffic congestion in Imphal city is also due to the fact that the shops in Imphal city have also become residences for some people.

If Imphal city is to be made into a planned city, there would have to be separate residential and commercial areas.

People would not be allowed to settle in commercial areas as done in Delhi.

The Chief Minister went on to say that to make Imphal a planned city is not a mere joke.

Nonetheless, all measures are being taken up for the purpose with the widening of roads and building a multi-storey building for parking vehicles in the area where the Electricity office is currently situated.

However, the issue for shifting of the schools in and around Imphal city is yet to be taken up for discussion.

He also pointed out that a proposal for creating diversion along the NH 39 from Koirengei to Canchipur would be sent to the Union government.

Traffic congestion in Imphal city would also be reduced to a considerable level if an over bridge is constructed from Keishampat to Imphal Airport, the Chief Minister observed, adding that the estimated cost for the construction is Rs 700 crores.

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