Bad roads amid administrative vacuum raise safety concerns
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, June 22 2025:
Roads in Imphal city, the capital of Manipur, continue to deteriorate to dangerous levels, with widespread potholes posing serious threat to commuters' safety, particularly in the absence of an accountable public authority under the present President's Rule.
While the state remains under President's Rule and Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla technically helming the affairs, chief secretary PK Singh is overseeing the day-to-day functioning of various departments, including the Public Works Department (PWD).
However, the absence of a popularly elected government has left the public with no clear platform to raise grievances, leading to increasing frustration and concern.
With the Manipur Legislative Assembly currently in suspended animation, all sitting MLAs continue to hold their posts in name only, without the legislative authority to address public issues.
The vacuum of approachable authority figures has left citizens struggling to voice concerns over urgent matters such as road safety.
A glaring example of official neglect lies just a few hundred metres from the Raj Bhavan.
A cluster of major potholes at the tip of Wahengbam Leikai road near the traffic island at Keishampat junction remains unaddressed for months.
These potholes, especially at zebra crossing points, deepen during the rainy season and become invisible hazards when filled with water.
On dry days, their depth is clearly visible but unable to know during rainy days.
A recent video showing a woman passenger being thrown out of an auto-rickshaw after hitting a pothole at this spot went viral, highlighting the real-life dangers these roads now pose.
The affected road segment is among the busiest in Imphal, and daily commuters are forced to endure bone-crunching rides as their vehicles hit the potholes repeatedly.
Similarly, many roads across Imphal city have suffered further damage after the recent flood, resulting in fresh potholes - some wide, others deep.
The western side of the Kakwa-Singjamei road, particularly the Singjamei Asem Leikai portion, remains waterlogged even after moderate to heavy rainfall.
As a result, several potholes have developed along the road.
The bitumen layer at the Singjamei Keithel turning point has completely peeled off, leaving only loose gravel on the surface.
The patch has become a risky zone, especially for two-wheeler riders who often skid and slide while negotiating the curve.
Another critical road in need of immediate is the RIMS Road, which provides access to the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS).
The road is riddled with potholes, and the situation is worsened by haphazard parking along the roadsides, leading to frequent traffic snarls and safety concerns for ambulances and emergency patients.
Other prominent roads in equally poor condition include the stretch from Singjamei Bridge to Kongba, Sagolband road, Mayai Lambi, and several portions of Tiddim Road within greater Imphal.
Despite their significance as arterial routes, many of these roads have been left in neglect, with no visible repair work in progress.
As potholes continue to multiply and deepen, citizens have begun to question whether the Governor and chief secretary, under the current administrative arrangement, are in full control of st,ate affairs.
The continuing failure to address even basic civic issues such as road repair has only deepened the public's concern over governance and accountability in the state.
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