'Terrific' Traffic Of Imphal City

Pao Gangte *

Caught in traffic snarl : In the absence of proper traffic management travelling on the roads of Imphal has become a hellish experience :: Pix - Hueiyen Lanpao

An article by Omila Thangnoujam that appeared on 20th June, 2013 in our esteemed daily HUIYEN LANPAO writing on traffic problems cried out an appeal writing that - "We are no longer at the position of audiences complacently laughing at the characters acting out their assigned roles. Rather we are in need to get more deeply involved with social workings by taking up meaningful roles ourselves." In addition to this the Editor Sangai Express and the honourable Chief Minister himself have expressed the need for improving the condition of traffic problems.

Living as we do in the midst of rogue-drivers and motorists, I am reminded of one description over-heard statement of the such people who described them by saying that - Yang, yang thoujillu; Hoot hoot leisillu; Khangprek, khangprek brake kaosillu; Ih,ih, ih shibu shiram ganida!

The chaotic scene of Ningol Chakkouba is a matter of the past but the hangover of this incurable past-time lingers on and the problems remain at most of the important traffic points; and I do not know whether authorities concerned would take any notice of it, but I hope they do lest the city presents itself in a state of chaotic traffic during the Sangai Festival that is coming on apace when foreigners will be with us.

Hence this article seeks solutions in the context of existing road facilities of today without getting into high flown suggestions which cannot have any bearing with the on coming festival. Hence this is PHASE ONE only! As we survey the scene, one of the most common factors causing jamming in and around main traffic islands is absence of 'U' turn facilities.

And let us try to locate them in some of the selected traffic islands such as Raj Bhavan Main Gate, Keishampat Junction, Main Kangla Gate, Sanjengthong Bridge, Minuthong Bridge, New Checkon Traffic Point and General Thangal Statue Point.

Raj Bhavan Main Gate Traffic Island: Firstly, 'U' turns at either at Rajbhavan Northern Gate or opposite Tac HQ [Old Treasury Office].

Secondly, No right turn for vehicles going towards Lambulane, Jail Road/Police MT coming from Keishampat side but to provide approach road between Tribal Girls' Hostel and the main Keishampat road emanating from Bus Stand opposite Directorate of Education with proper sign board and one Traffic Police.

Thirdly, strict formation into two single abreast for vehicles proceeding towards Keishampat, and to Lambulane/Jail Road from Dimapur side.to facilitate regular flow of vehicles on left extreme. Fourthly, from Keishampat to Dimapur line and Sanjenthong sides just two abreast lines be allowed to form.

Keishampat Junction: Being one of the most complicated points, it needs careful planning and execution. Firstly, reverse the one way traffic for the International Market Place, Paona Bazar, to lessen heavy onrush to the Keishampat bridge.

Secondly, No Right turn for Waheng Leikai, Nambul river for vehicles from Rajbhavan side but another 'U'turn is provided lying opposite L.MEMA GIRLS'HOSTEL, KEISHAMPAT.

Thirdly, No right turn either for vehicles from Rajbhavan side as they can take the International Market lane instead.

Fourthly, mark out proper dividing lane LEFT TURN for vehicles from Waheng towards Electricity Office side.

Main Kangla Gate: Firstly, vehicles seeking U turn from Fly over Uripok side back to bazar side, to take the new Ù'turn opposite Congress Bhavan/Johnstone HS School. To remove some-pieces of the road blocks in front to accomodate more space for manoeuvrability.

Secondly, another at Majorkhul approach near the residence of the CJM.

Thirdly, another U turn at opposite IMC Gate and move the parking station for buses to opposite ADHARS. Lift entry restrtiction through Old Assembly Road and provide another U turn at for vehicles coming from Dimapur Side. Or else

Sanjenthong Bridge: The bridge can accommodate two-way-traffic of one single abreast each either side. But due to lack of control and supervision one can see four abreast lines are allowed to wade through their ways endangering both motorists and vehicles. The only solution is to post traffic police on both sides at least 20 feet away from the mouths of the bridge to ensure denial of forming up another extra line either way.

Minuthong Bridge: Same as above

New Chackon traffic point: Firstly, a new opening opposite Tribal Colony main entrance will not only be desirable for U turn but also convenient manoevrability for Tribal Colony.

Secondly, another U-turn at entrance for New Lambulane Eastern lane.

Thirdly, for left turn from Porompat to have ana exit left turn between the Khongnang tree and Tribal Colony boundary to create more room for manouevrability for other tighter sides and shift the traffic point slightly away from its present position.

General Thangal Statue Point : No right turn from main road to Palace Entry but provide U turn at Thangal Point. Remove all non-effective sign boards of 'NO PARKING' along Pureiromba Market as they do not serve any purpose. Instead revert it as normal parking facility along the bazar side with strict insistence on proper single line parking limits.

Add to these, a brief training course for all untrained hands. Evidently, more than 50% looks untrained from the way they conduct themselves at the traffic points. And to the Light Brigade of the Traffic Police, provide them towing vehicle to lift offending vehicle, and to impose fines; and outriders to tackle those who would jump red light offences. These may add to respect traffic rules and traffic police.