TODAY -

Road Safety: Manipur Highways Lifelines or Death-lines

John Gaingamlung Gangmei *

A scene at the tragic road accidents in Manipur on March 27 2017
A scene at the tragic road accidents in Manipur on March 27 2017 :: Pix - IT News



The day when Manipur woke up to witness triple tragic road accidents of two National Highways i.e. NH 2 & NH 39 which has claimed more than 22 (twenty-two) lives and many critically injured. The Governor, Chief Minister and peoples have condoled the death of peoples. The government has also announced an ex-gratia of rupees 2 lakhs, 50,000 and 30,000 for the deceased victim family, serious and minor injuries victims respectively.

Nevertheless, we are left with the questions, what could be the cause of these road traffic accidents? Whom to be blamed? We shall retrospect these questions later in this article.

The lifelines of the State have been death-lines due to State apathy toward the road safety of National Highways. The previous government (people representative) has failed us to provide good road infrastructure despite being in power for three terms. Our elected representatives fly in and out from Tulihal International Airport for their official and personal tour.

Therefore, there is no question of understanding the hardship faced by daily commuters choosing to use our highways. We all are aware that no amount of ex-gratia, compensation and insurance are capable of replacing the loss of precious human life and disability caused by the road accidents.

The UN and Road Safety describes that Road traffic injuries remain a major public health problem and a leading cause of death, injury and disability around the world. Each year, nearly 1.3 million people die and between 20 million and 50 million more are injured as a result of road crashes.

More than 90 per cent of these deaths occurs in low-income and middle-income countries, which have less than half of the world's vehicles. Road traffic injuries are among the three leading causes of death for people between 5 and 44 years of age. It has been estimated that global losses due to road traffic injuries total $518 billion and cost Governments between 1 and 3 per cent of their GNP (Gross National Product).

It also places a heavy burden on a nation's economy as a result of their direct impact on health-care and rehabilitation services, as well as through indirect costs. Apart from losing the victims earning, they can put considerable financial stress on victim families, medical and rehabilitation costs and funeral cost, in addition to extensive emotional strain.

India being a signatory to the Brasilia Declaration and is committed to reducing the number of road fatality by 50 per cent by 2020. However, there are challenges ahead to achieve such goal. In 2014 and 2015 India has witnessed 1,38,000 and 1,46,000 road accident death, many were left seriously injured and the rate of disabled are even higher in the range of 25 to 26 lakhs.

In case of Manipur according to the Department of Transport, from 2011 to 2015 the State has witnessed 3472 accidents, 794 deaths, 2121 fatal injuries and 4175 minor injuries. Whereas, in 2016 by 30th June, there was 295 accidents, 47 deaths, 107 grievous injuries, 407 minor injuries. Out of 295 accidents, 183 was on NHs, 60 on SHs and 52 on other roads.

It implies that 62 per cent of the accidents is prevalent on National Highways of Manipur. This also indicates that there are incidents of two accidents in a day and one person killed in every two days. The Department also claimed that in the last 5 years, number of fatal accidents as well as fatal injuries in decreasing with radical increase in minor injuries.

According to MoRT&H (Ministry of Road Transport and Highways) vulnerable road user, as well as unsafe road infrastructure and vehicles that are in poor condition all, contribute to high fatality rates seen on India's road. Therefore, The State and concern authority for road safety is accountable for fatality.

The international organisations were appraised by the need of the hour on the Road Safety. According to UN road safety is one of the economic and human development indicators. With this perspective, UN Road Safety Collaboration has developed a Global Plan for the Decade of Action for Road Safety 2011-2020.

This framework provides major five "pillars" of activities such as
(a) building road safety management capacity,
(b) improving the safety of road infrastructure and broader transport networks,
(c) further developing the safety of vehicles,
(d) enhancing the behaviour of road users,
(e) and improving post-crash response.

The above indicators have been developed to measure progress in each of these areas. To achieve the above goals various Governments, international agencies, civil society organisations, the private sector and other stakeholders are invited to make use of the Plan as a guiding document for the events and activities they will support as part of the Decade.

Based on the MoRT&H guidelines, there are major road safety signs that comprise of
(a) Informatory Road Signs,
(b) Cautionary Road Signs and
(c) Mandatory Road Signs.

In the case of Manipur roads and highways, such signs are hardly seen or missing. This signs could have averted or mitigated some of the road accidents.

When the State failed the denizen, what could be the alternatives measures can they expect? We have some instances in Manipur, denizen took up various initiatives and strategy to advocate for the constructions and maintenance of roads.

To mention one of them out of many organisations, recently SET (Society for Enhancing Tamenglong) are resorting to public funding for repairing and maintaining of Tamenglong headquarter road, such innovation and activities indicate the lackadaisical attitudes of the concern State authority. Nevertheless, the Government of Manipur has taken initiative to monitor Road Safety by forming State Level Road Safety, District Level Road Safety Committee under the chairmanship of Transport Minister and the District Magistrate from 2006.

The core responsibility is to conduct field visit for identification, rectification and maintenance of the road. However, the committees also need to retrospect their performance from time to time. The current Manipur Government under the leadership of CM N Biren seems to be serious about the infrastructure of the road and highways.

Therefore, it's essential for the State to work with various stakeholders in ensuring to implement the best practice of the road safety, improve road condition and enhance mobility. Nevertheless, keeping in mind on the accountability of quality and quantity of road infrastructures as well as including public transports.

"The Decade of Action for Road Safety can help all countries drive along the path to a more secure future... Today, partners around the world are releasing national or citywide plans for the Decade, hosting policy discussions and enabling people affected by road crashes to share their stories widely.

Now we need to move this campaign into high gear and steer our world to safer roads ahead. Together, we can save millions of lives." as Ban Ki Moon then the UN Secretary General said on the launch of the Decade of Action for Road Safety.


* John Gaingamlung Gangmei (MSW, M.Phil-SRF, TISS- Mumbai) wrote this article for e-pao.net
The writer is Assistant Professor cum NSS PO, Department of Social Work, Rajiv Gandhi University, Arunachal Pradesh and can be contacted at jgangmei3(AT)gmail(DOT)com
This article was posted on March 29, 2017.


* Comments posted by users in this discussion thread and other parts of this site are opinions of the individuals posting them (whose user ID is displayed alongside) and not the views of e-pao.net. We strongly recommend that users exercise responsibility, sensitivity and caution over language while writing your opinions which will be seen and read by other users. Please read a complete Guideline on using comments on this website.




LATEST IN E-PAO.NET
  • 12th Legislative Assembly #2 : Gallery
  • Violence in Manipur 2023-2025 : Timeline
  • Education & its disjuncture in Manipur
  • HUN-Thadou Cultural Fest 2025 : Theme
  • Coo :: Poem
  • Agartala Coach : India U-19 Women Cricket
  • The story of the village of hope
  • Career choice in wetlands
  • CM in Delhi to meet Shah
  • After failed plastic ban bid, on brickfields
  • New catfish species discovered in Chakpi
  • Love, Unsure :: Poem
  • Manipur's border battles: Deeper conflict
  • A world without leprosy
  • Origin of corruption & possible remedies
  • The question of life
  • 'Sereki' unveils Majuli-themed campaign
  • Posers over summons to Delhi
  • Addiction-free campaign
  • Mera Chaorel Houba @Kangla #5 : Gallery
  • Lamtanganba, Adum , Mahaiso : eMing
  • Manipur : Champions Jr Natl Sepaktakraw
  • Effective Unified Command approach
  • Saurashtrian Tamils
  • Accepting the change :: Poem
  • From Kumbh to heaven direct
  • Edge of the seat suspense
  • Wetlands revival efforts reaping fruit
  • Natambakta : Play by JNMDA #4 : Gallery
  • EIIFF 2025 unveils Festival Memento
  • Climate change & plant diseases
  • Shija Hospital- AHPI Healthcare Award
  • Budget 2025: A big gift for middle-class
  • The Science of Success : Attitude #2
  • Cakeology 2025: India's largest cake expo
  • Need to stick to a consistent narrative
  • Leniency on tobacco ban aiding demographic
  • 76th Republic Day @ Kangla #2 : Gallery
  • Pheiroijam Christina - 21st Miss North East
  • Manipur: Gold at 28th Jr National Sepaktakraw
  • Clarion call for redeeming our rightful future
  • The Power of Poppy - 67 :: Poem
  • Clean energy for sustainability
  • Union Budget: Industrialists from NE speaks
  • Balaram Sougaijamba: General of Manipur
  • Nikhil Okram crowned 14th Mister North East
  • Chadong village: Rising from waters with hope
  • Financial literacy for common man
  • Obituary: (L) Pu Thangkholen Sitlhou
  • Nail care in Winters
  • State of war since 2023: No winner, only losers
  • Talks on new district row
  • Radio E-pao: 1000+ songs from Manipur
  • Maibi Jagoi @ Kwak Tanba : Gallery
  • February Calendar for Year 2025 : Tools
  • Ballad of Letting Go :: Poem
  • 2nd Eikhoigi Imphal International Film Fest
  • Deeper exploration of term 'Hill-Valley Divide'
  • Children's Book to adopt 'Look East Policy'
  • Pony registration & conservation
  • Endless suffering of internally displaced child
  • 21st Ningtham Kumhei Fest #2 : Gallery
  • Thiyam Suryamukhi conferred Padma Shri
  • Isolate Kuki Militants by facilitating safe return
  • Sports Meet held at Rongdai Village
  • Eco-Apocalypse: Prevent collapse with Green
  • Grand Finale : 21st Mega Miss North East
  • Time to give more teeth to ST demand
  • 5 years of ILP; what about NRC demand ?
  • Remembering Md Ladu, celebrated polo player
  • The Lament of Love's Deceit :: Poem
  • Need for inculcating value based education
  • Royte - Times Young Entrepreneur Award
  • Glass Child Syndrome ! 'Sibling rivalry'
  • 6 Films for NE Section at GAFF 2025
  • Pony registration & conservation
  • Impartial anti-extortion cell need of the hour
  • 76th Republic Day @ Kangla #1 : Gallery
  • Conservation Strategies of Pethia manipurensis
  • Remembers 13 Brave Indian Soldiers
  • Workshop: Intl Year of Quantum Science
  • Governor's role and discretionary powers
  • Physics workshop for educators at Agartala
  • Who wins Delhi - Daru or Dharma
  • War on Drugs: A war Manipur cannot loses
  • NE turning into transnational drug hub
  • Essence of Gaan-Ngai #2
  • Manipur's dystopian reality
  • The day Light reached the hills
  • 2nd Eikhoigi Imphal Intl Film Fest 2025
  • Why is depreciation of rupee not stopping ?
  • An introduction to Rabies (Hydrophobia) #5
  • Thoithoiba Yelhou Yangkok Artist #2 : Gallery
  • Republic Day Titbits
  • NIT Manipur: Best Design Award @VLSI Design
  • The Power of Poppy - 66 :: Poem
  • Grand Finale: 14th Mega Mister North East
  • Application : FILMART, Hong Kong
  • The Science of Success : Attitude #1
  • 21st Ningtham Kumhei Fest #1 : Gallery
  • Demographic for balkanisation of Manipur
  • Training on Mushroom Cultivation at Nambol
  • Jugeshwor Kshetrimayum receives GELA 2025
  • Construction Committee of Meetei Yumpham
  • Call against misuse of social media
  • Positive & negative aspects of social media
  • In Search of Peace in Manipur
  • Embracing the Shadows :: Poem
  • Dr Manmohan Singh will live on
  • Rise in the price of medicines
  • Respecting the dead- Denying is a disgrace
  • Winter skin care tips for oily skin
  • Illegal immigrants :: Of FMR & border fencing
  • JD-U row exposes national parties' apathy
  • State Gaan-Ngai @Sagolband #2 : Gallery
  • On 'Only BJP can save Manipur'
  • Frontline health workers dispelling darkness
  • 14th East Himalayan Trade Fair
  • Life is plastic
  • Killers on the road : 834 lives lost
  • Call to action to save State's wetlands
  • Essence of Gaan-Ngai #1
  • The Taste of Dreams wins @Red Intl Film Fest
  • Science: 3rd eye for Meitei-Kuki reconciliation
  • Northeast flies high in direct selling
  • Mastering focus amidst distractions
  • An introduction to Rabies (Hydrophobia) #4
  • Indo-Naga Talks (From 2012) :: Timeline
  • BJP : Tepid response from the hills
  • BABINA Hospital sets example in healthcare
  • Nitya Ras @Nongmeibung #1 : Gallery
  • Agonizing reality of our country's veteran elites
  • Historicising the colonial narratives
  • NSS Team Departs for National Integration
  • HUN-Thadou Cultural Festival 2025
  • Time to recreate Naga Peoples Convention 2.0
  • Career in nutrition
  • Need to give more meaning to War on Drugs
  • Time for real action not empty rhetoric
  • Foundation: Manipur Press Club #2 : Gallery
  • "Aronba Wari" :: Shumang Leela Synopsis
  • Tripura's livelihoods challenges
  • Archaeological Exhibition @ Kangla : Gallery
  • Gaan-Ngai @Chaopok village #1 : Gallery
  • Manipur needs to affirm her tribal roots
  • Madras/Chennai- 1989 till 2024 : Gallery
  • Investigate "arms recoveries" in Mizoram
  • Training on Mushroom Cultivation
  • NE Direct Selling Conference & Expo
  • Response of Delhi in last 20 months
  • Regulated entry after FMR scrap, border
  • Mutua Bahadur : Preserving Manipuri culture
  • Competitive Altruism: Resolving ethnic conflict
  • Pithe Puli Utsav at Agartala
  • Building the best version of yourself
  • Guwahati Asian Film Festival 2025
  • Tips to keep your lips soft & smooth in winter
  • Subsidised flight tickets for all
  • MCPCR alert on child trafficking fear
  • Imoinu Erat Thouni @ Wangkhei : Gallery
  • Gaan-Ngai celebrating Culture in Delhi NCR
  • The Weeping Gods of Manipur :: Poem
  • Disarming Kuki-Zo armed groups under SoO
  • Why nurses deserve more recognition, pay
  • The hidden truths of our social media lives
  • MMTU stand bang on target: Recapping May 3
  • Enhancing aerial options to ease travel woes
  • 2nd Emoinu Fish Festival #1 : Gallery
  • Sustainable development - climate action #1
  • RIST Talk- 62 : Artificial Intelligence (AI)
  • "Technically a BJP MLA will rule Nagaland"
  • Makar Sankranti : vibrant customs & traditions
  • Why gold is a strong hedge but ...
  • Delhi date on January 17
  • Onus of addressing tribal issues on new Guv?
  • Nupilal Ningshing Lamjel #2 : Gallery
  • Licypriya Kangujam: Nat'l Youth Day Award
  • Barak Festival advocates Peace, Progress
  • 'Yu', not fully liberalised
  • Article 355 equals Governor's Rule ?
  • Calls to vote with conscience
  • Zingtun academy leading by example
  • State Gaan-Ngai @Sagolband #1 : Gallery
  • Is Kuki-Zo community pushing Nagas to edge?
  • Will drive to find-treat-prevent TB continue ?
  • Smart Cities, dustier roads ?
  • ST of NE & Dalits of mainland India
  • That May :: Poem
  • Understanding Red, Yellow, Green
  • Cong posers on Govt aid to SoO group
  • Culturals @Tri-Nation Football #1 : Gallery
  • Gaan-Ngai festival of Kabui/Rongmei
  • 40 Years & 04 Stations- Part IV (Madras)
  • Manipur Gold: 34th Sr Natl Sepaktakraw C'ship
  • Public Health Risk Management Training
  • The Power of Poppy - 64 :: Poem
  • The Science of Success #4
  • Hingminashi Eikhoi : Call for unity in diversity
  • A Hymn for Goddess Emoinu
  • Are the foods we eat, correct ?
  • Gangtok, Sikkim (1983 till 1988) : Gallery
  • The Taste of Dreams : Teaser Unveiled
  • Be a child of courage & conquer obstacle
  • Hans Renal Care Centre in Guwahati
  • Focus on pre-May 3, 2023 period
  • Conundrum over the genesis of crisis
  • Misna Chanu aids to Jiribam IDPs : Gallery
  • North-East Students invited to JEE Main 2025
  • Empower the State else avoid blame on CM
  • Obituary : Thaunawjam Brajamohon
  • Hope :: Poem
  • An introduction to Rabies (Hydrophobia) #3
  • Winter makeup tips for dry skin
  • Imphal, Delhi still groping in the dark
  • Tension over assault case, land claims
  • Mega Protest Rally, end AFSPA #2: Gallery
  • Foundation: Manipur Press Club #1 : Gallery
  • Ningol Chakkouba @ Delhi #3 : Gallery
  • Indigenous Pottery Making @Imphal : Gallery
  • AIR Radio Imphal Station - Live streaming
  • Nupi Lal Memorial @Pune #2 : Gallery
  • The historical account of Kabaw Valley #3
  • Featured Front Page Photo 2024 #6: Gallery
  • E-Pao.net : 25th Anniv & 2025 Wishes
  • Protest @Delhi - Murder of Meiteis #2: Gallery
  • "Connections", art exhibitt @ DC : Gallery
  • Observance of Thang-Ta Day #1 : Gallery
  • Mera Chaorel Houba #4 : Gallery
  • Nupi Lal Memorial @Pune #1 : Gallery
  • Meitei Mayek Tamba : Online Classroom #5
  • Indigenous People Cultural Fest #1 : Gallery
  • Maibi Jagoi @ Mera Houchongba: Gallery
  • Mega Protest Rally, end AFSPA #1: Gallery
  • Ta Ta TabuHtoN :: Seireng
  • Downloadable Manipuri Calendar :: 2025
  • GHOST of PEACE :: Download Booklet