Highway widening works are on war footing in the capital complex but any thoughts that once complete it will erase out traffic congestion looks impossible. Vehicles randomly parked along both sides of the road narrows down the road to a two lane slowing the movement of the Itanagar-Naharlagun rush hour traffic.

Traffic congestion has become a regular sight for Itanagar and its adjoining areas with long queue of vehicles remaining stuck during peak hours. Growing population and increasing vehicle numbers and now the ongoing 4-laning work on NH415 is all adding to the commotion.

To be fair however, authorities and traffic personnel alone cannot be blamed for the madness on the streets. An obstinate population brazenly flouts traffic rules and traffic wardens are seen helpless in stopping commuters taking wrong turns, entering one ways, parking in ‘no parking’ zones etc, not to forget dumping of construction materials on road sides eating up precious free space. All these add up making driving and traffic management equally difficult.

Furthermore, traffic chaos will rule the roost as the state has a non-existent public transport system. There are more private vehicles on the roads as opposed to public transport resulting in heavy traffic burden. The few state transport buses that ply within the capital region are too less and erratic for commuters liking. Plus the private taxi service is also not an option given the high tariffs.  

Arunachal must learn from Meghalaya in this regard which has in place a robust taxi system with fares which are easy on peoples’ pockets.

Among the many problems of a growing city like Itanagar, traffic management has also become a major issue and needs a multi-pronged approach.

The administration can help things by ensuring one side parking at all places. It is surprising to see why such a simple yet effective mechanism is not being implemented by authorities. Earlier, the administration had flagged off with great show tow trucks/cranes to haul wayward vehicles and it is about time to bring them to good use. Traffic personnel must be empowered to deal with wayward drivers to send across a strong message.

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Kenter Joya Riba

(Managing Editor)
      She is a graduate in Science with post graduation in Sociology from University of Pune. She has been in the media industry for nearly a decade. Before turning to print business, she has been associated with radio and television.
Email: kenterjoyaz@easternsentinel.in / editoreasternsentinel@gmail.com
Phone: 0360-2212313

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