Chizokho Vero
KOHIMA, SEPT 25:
With the increase in the number of vehicles, roads in Kohima have become smaller and smaller, thereby resulting in frequent traffic jam causing inconvenience to commuters.
“Our roads are very congested now. We are facing traffic jam every time,” Kohima Municipal Council Chairman, Menvovilie Keseizie told The Morung Express. He also regretted that Kohima does not have enough space for parking lots and added that there are only 78 parking provisions. There are however around 1600 taxis plying on the roads on a daily basis.
“During office and school hours, people prefer to walk instead of driving their vehicles as they hate to be caught in the traffic jam,” said a taxi driver Shikato.
“The vehicles keep on increasing day by day but the roads are not widening. The roads have become smaller and smaller,” said a traffic personnel. He argued that lack of co-operation from vehicle users were contributing towards violation of traffic rules, which were going unheeded.
Sources said Kohima traffic police requires more human resources and adequate infrastructure. Presently, it has only 36 effective personnel manning the 24 traffic points in Kohima. At least 150-160 traffic personnel are required, it is learnt.
KMC Chairman strongly viewed that random parking and violation of traffic rules should be immediately rectified so as to minimize the traffic jams.
The people should also stop blaming the traffic personnel during rush hours, adding that most of the vehicle users belonged to the educated group. They should educate themselves and follow the rules, he added. Keseizie felt that a terminus should be established in all the four corners of Kohima. The KMC has proposed one terminus towards Indira Gandhi Stadium through the Asian Development Bank fund.
The Urban Development department also proposes 3 foot bridges – at Razhu point, SP point and MLA Hostel. However, it is not known when such projects would be taken up.
Meanwhile, at least 7 to 8 vehicles are being purchased daily in Nagaland, sources said. As on March 2003, 1,93,294 private vehicles are registered with the State Motor Vehicle Department. The number of government vehicles during the period stands at 9,978.
