National Road Safety Month is being observed to promote safer roads and raise awareness about road safety issues from January 1 to January 31. It focuses on various initiatives to educate the public and enforce road safety measures. As part of this month-long observance, National Road Safety Week amplifies these efforts through campaigns, workshops, and community engagement activities. The aim is to instill a sense of responsibility among all road users and reduce traffic-related fatalities. So, Road Safety Month is an opportune time to reflect on and address the perennial issues plaguing our roads.
In the heart of Imphal, police personnel are often seen diligently enforcing traffic rules during this designated week. Their visible presence inspires a sense of discipline and order among commuters. However, this effort appears short-lived, as the rest of the year tells a different story.
One of the most pressing issues is the VIP culture that dominates our roads. It is disheartening to witness vehicles bearing flags and insignias blatantly violating traffic rules. These vehicles are often parked in the middle of roads or in crowded marketplaces without any consideration for the inconvenience caused to the public. Such actions not only create chaos but also send a message that some individuals are above the law. The sight of a flagged vehicle obstructing a busy road or market area has become all too common, often leading to traffic jams and undue hardship for commuters. This disregard for traffic norms by those in positions of power sets a poor example and undermines the efforts of law enforcement agencies.
Another glaring issue is double parking, particularly in front of government establishments such as the Secretariat. The narrow road in front of Secretariat is used by all types of vehicles, including trucks that supply essential goods to Manipur. The practice of allowing double parking in this area has resulted in severe congestion, often causing delays and even accidents. There have been instances where medical emergencies have turned fatal due to the gridlock created by such negligence. The situation is equally dire in the bustling marketplaces at the heart of Imphal, such as Paona Bazaar and Thangal Bazaar, where double parking is rampant. Vehicles parked on both sides of these crowded roads make it nearly impossible for traffic to flow smoothly, resulting in frequent jams and chaos.
Adding to this chaos, heavy vehicles are often seen plying these roads in broad daylight. This is particularly concerning on the road in front of the Secretariat, where traffic is already strained. Is there no provision to restrict the entry of such vehicles during peak traffic hours? Their presence exacerbates congestion and creates additional challenges for smaller vehicles and pedestrians. The lack of regulation in this regard highlights another gap in traffic management that needs urgent attention.
To make matters worse, the condition of the roads themselves is abysmal. Potholes and uneven surfaces are a common sight, while some stretches are entirely broken. For those commuting on two-wheelers, these hazardous conditions are particularly dangerous. Navigating through such roads requires extreme caution, and yet accidents are all too frequent. The lack of proper maintenance not only slows down traffic but also poses a significant risk to the safety of all commuters, especially during inclement weather when visibility is low and road conditions worsen further.
Without addressing these critical issues, organizing National Road Safety Month will merely be a ceremonial exercise and a waste of time. True progress can only be achieved when these systemic problems are tackled head-on, ensuring that the safety of all road users is prioritized throughout the year, not just for a month.