In view of the increasing traffic volume in Imphal city, the Traffic Control Police (TCP) has been taking various initiatives to ensure smooth traffic. However, traffic congestion has been increasing and is causing harrowing time for both the commuters and the traffic police both, as commuters do not follow traffic rules or maintain any road discipline. With lack of road disciple, violation of traffic rules is increasing in the capital city, causing traffic nightmare.
Traffic violation has been increasing at various main traffic points, including Keishampat junction, Imphal Post Office, and other main traffic junctions, causing traffic congestion daily.
One commuter named Arun Khuraijam of Kwakeithel Nganappithong, Imphal West told the Imphal Free Press that most of the commuters do not care to follow traffic rules instead always try to cross the traffic stop. Although there is a red light signal at traffic point, commuters would not stop until the traffic police tell them to stop, he said, adding, “If commuters have discipline then traffic congestion in Imphal City could be solved”.
Traffic violators are often fined by the traffic police. Despite imposing fine at various traffic junctions by the TCP for violation of traffic rules, the number of people violating traffic rules are increasing, police said.
One traffic police personnel posted at Keishampat junction, assistant sub-inspector, TCP, Imphal West, Y Priyobrata told the Imphal Free Press that with the coming of new year, traffic police has intensified its drive against traffic violators.
Commuters should not jump the red light at traffic junctions and should follow right path without violating the traffic rules, he said.
To reduce traffic congestion TCP has installed mobile road median, he said.
Traffic violation will continue not only during festive season but throughout the year, said Priyobrata.
Former joint director of transport, Phurailatpam Bijenkumar Sharma (BK Sharma) told the IFP during an interview that to control traffic in Imphal city is not an easy task.
Several commuters are seen violating traffic rules and regulation frequently. Unnecessarily most of the people blow horn at traffic junction and while changing lane, he said.
Sharma added that blowing horn unnecessarily can be controlled by imposing penalty of Rs 1,000 under 194 (I) of MV Act.
He said as compared with other states of Northeast, the road width of Imphal is much wider, but lack of proper utilization by non-motorised mode of transport also cause traffic congestion.
He appealed to the people to follow traffic rules and regulation so as to bring a congestion free traffic.
