IMPHAL, Aug 13: Observation of Patriots’ Day at Pheidabung (BT Park) today literally choked Wahengbam Leikai and Nagamapal roads.
As the red-letter day was observed with the Governor, the Chief Minister and VVIPs, many key roads of Imphal city were blocked thereby causing traffic snarls at different points.
Vehicles coming from the direction of North AOC were blocked at Khoyathong near PWD office and were diverted towards Nagamapal. Vehicles coming from the southern direction were blocked near the gate of Raj Bhavan and were diverted towards Keishampat along with vehicles coming from the directions of Babupara and Sanjenthong.
Vehicles coming from the directions of Keishamthong and Tiddim Road were blocked at Keishampat bridge and were diverted towards Wahengbam Leikai.
Vehicles coming from the direction of Uripok were also diverted towards Nagamapal and Paona Keithel road.
On account of these road blocks, the road along Kanglapat from PWD office to Raj Bhavan gate and the BT Road wore a totally deserted look.
On the other hand, Nagamapal Road and Wahengbam Leikai were literally choked.
Although the Patriots’ Day deserve observation in the grandest manner by one and all, it appeared that the Government did not have any foresight about the traffic problems that would be caused by blocking main roads of Imphal city at different points.
Even though the roads were blocked for some hours only, it caused a nightmarish experience to thousands of people.
While the roads were blocked for the convenience of VVIPs, no alternative arrangements (for traffic management) were made. The traffic woes were compounded by parking of a large number of vehicles along Nagamapal as well as Wahengbam Leikai roads.
Today’s show of VIPdom on the roads of Imphal came two days after The Sangai Express launched a campaign on traffic management in Imphal city and surrounding areas. One day after the campaign was launched, a good number of people had come forward to suggest ways on how to manage traffic and make riding through the roads of Imphal a more pleasurable experience.
Significantly some of the suggestions given by the readers included, “signboards embossed with the words ‘left side free’ be put up at major traffic junctions,” “shift Magic vans parking slot to its earlier site at Kangla Western Gate” etc.
