Kohima mulls over traffic malady

The congested streets of Nagaland’s capital have continually posed a problem for commuters and pedestrians alike. With strict enforcement of the new traffic regulations starting November 23, Kohima’s roads will, hopefully, breathe easier. (Morung File Photo)

Morung Express News
Kohima | November 20
Frustrated over the increasing traffic congestion in Kohima town, the state’s Regional Transport Authority and the district administration today sought the assistance of the civil bodies in regulating traffic in the main town and to identify road diversions to the congestion.
At a consultative meeting held at the DC’s conference hall here today, representatives of the RTA, the district administration and various organizations agreed that the traffic congestion problem in the state capital is mainly caused by violation of traffic rules and regulations by motorists/ The need for spreading awareness on traffic do’s and don’ts was stressed.
Causes: Indiscipline, deliberate violation 
Sharing his opinions Deputy Commissioner of Kohima Bei-u Angami observed that while the population is rapidly increasing, roads are not increasing or expanding. He suggested a number of measures including using diversions and shifting of the zonal taxi parking from the present location to the abandoned market place at New Market.
Agreeing the traffic congestion is being mainly created by lack of discipline among the motorists and drivers, he reminded that the Kohima town roads are much better and wider than any other hill station with the exception of Shillong. He also expressed hope that the new diversion road under construction between Naga Hospital and Tin Patti would greatly ease the traffic problem.
The DC further expressed immense appreciation to the Kohima Village Youth Organization for volunteering on several occasions in assisting the traffic police in regulating traffic. He said the government is particularly counting on the KVYO for assistance in similar future endeavors. Also speaking on the occasion, resource person Mhalezolie Kire, President of the Kohima Press Club agreed that the problem is mainly due to deliberate ignorance of traffic rules and that the public should be made aware of the do’s and don’ts. He lamented that the VIPs and their escorts are among the main violators of traffic laws. Civic sense should prevail among all drivers irrespective of status, he reminded.
“No vehicle is licensed to flout traffic laws,” Kire said while also noting that local taxis have become a hindrance as well. They stop at random places regardless of the traffic snarls being created as a result. He also stressed on the need for smooth networking among the traffic personnel and the law-enforcement agencies.
Speaking as resource person Hotokhu of the Kohima Pastors’ Fellowship suggested that the church also should play a role in creating awareness on traffic rules and regulations among the citizens. He emphasized that the disobedience and disregard to rules are the main reasons behind the congestion. He also strongly suggested that the authorities take steps to clear the footpaths and roadsides of vendors hawking their wares. He urged the government to strictly enforce traffic laws. The KVYO and the Kohima traffic would be conducting a traffic week next week to spread awareness on traffic laws.

Kohima traffic week chart out

Dimapur, November 20 (MExN): A number of traffic regulations have been set to be followed and enforced during the proposed traffic week for Kohima from November 23. The Superintendent of Police of Kohima today issued a circular listing out the regulations.
According to the SP’s circular, all vehicles coming from the PHQ Traffic Point towards TCP Traffic Point are to take the left of Classic Island (near Red Cross Building); light and medium vehicles except city buses, army convoy, VIPs and heavy vehicles are to divert to the Ladies Mile Road; all light and medium vehicles coming from “Hospital/ Dimapur Road” shall be diverted to the new link route from the Naga Hospital junction to Tinpatti from where they can take the New Market Road and the Daklane road.
Also, the New Market road and Daklane road are to be “one way”. The entry point for New Market road is from the New Market Junction and the exit shall be at the NST Point near Thenuovicha Memorial.
Similarly, the entry point for Daklane road shall be at the new link route junction (Naga Hospital junction to Tinpatti) and the exit will be at Naga Bazar Road junction. All vehicles going towards south of Kohima from Dimapur and vice-versa can take Para-Medical road. All vehicles going towards northern of Kohima from Dimapur and vice-versa can take the new link route from Naga Hospital junction to Tinpatti.
All vehicles bound for Mezhur Higher Secondary School and coming from the PWD side are to park their vehicles on the left side of the road to leave their children to take the steps of the over-bridge on the left side. Vehicles coming from the TCP gate side are to park their vehicles on their left side of the road. Under no circumstance reversing and obstruction of traffic shall be allowed to take place in the area, the SP added.