Photo Courtesy: Sangai Express
Imphal: Ukhrul town is choking on its own growth. As the fastest-expanding hill district headquarters in Manipur, the town has outpaced its own infrastructure. Thousands of commuters now face daily gridlock. Streets are no longer thoroughfares but parking lots. Vehicles sit idle for hours during school and office rushes.
The chaos stems from poor planning and zero regulation. Drivers park illegally on both sides of narrow roads, turning two-lane streets into cramped, single-lane bottlenecks. Double parking and random loading of goods stop traffic entirely. Motorists show no fear of rules. Traffic enforcement remains inconsistent and understaffed, emboldening rule-breakers who treat public space like private property.
Public safety is crumbling. School children walk through dangerous, congested corridors every single day. Ambulances get stuck in the mess, losing precious time during medical emergencies. Minor accidents occur frequently, leaving locals on edge. Addie Chiphang writes that, "The time for discussions has passed. The time for decisive action has arrived."
The Deputy Commissioner, Superintendent of Police, and District Transport Officer hold the power to fix this under the Motor Vehicles Act. Authorities must set up designated parking zones, ban double parking, and launch aggressive enforcement drives. Infrastructure needs include clear road markings, pedestrian crossings, and proper signage. Responsibility also falls on shopkeepers and local transport unions to foster basic road discipline.
Civic life is suffering under this disorder. The district administration must quit being a silent spectator. Without a real plan, today’s frustration will turn into an irreversible tragedy. Ukhrul needs order now.
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