DIPR
Imphal, Nov 21
Chief Minister N. Biren Singh re-commissioned the LED based traffic signal system at Kangla Western Gate today.
Speaking to media persons, N. Biren Singh said that traffic signal system had been installed at eight different places of Imphal city, out of which it is now fully operational at two locations. He further informed that the system would be functional at another three places by today evening or tomorrow morning, adding that it would be operational at the remaining three junctions within 10 days.
Observing that traffic sense among people has improved a lot in the past few weeks, the Chief Minister said that very few vehicles jump the stop line of zebra crossing now-a-days. N. Biren Singh also said that necessary instructions had been given to the authority concerned to penalise traffic rule violators like driving without seatbelt and helmet as well in order to prevent road accidents and save precious lives. Seeking co-operation from the public in the strict enforcement of traffic rules, he also urged the drivers to understand silent zone and avoid rash overtaking as well.
It may be mentioned that the Union Ministry of Urban Development sanctioned Rs. 193.75 lakhs for implementation of LED based traffic signal system in Imphal city a few years back. MAHUD Department elected the State Public Works Department as the work agency for preparation of DPR within the scope of available fund provided by the Ministry. PWD took up the project and selected M/s Sun Technologies, Secunderabad as the service provider through restricted tender to install traffic signals at General Post Office (GPO) junction, Governor junction, Kangla Western gate junction, North AOC crossing, Khoyathong junction, Keishampat junction, Kwakeithel and Singjamei.
Since 2013-14, due to lack of annual maintenance contract (AMC) and having no allocation of fund in the Transport Department coupled with involvement of many Departments namely, MAHUD, PWD, Transport and Traffic Police having no specific responsibilities assigned, the LED based traffic signal system installed at eight locations were left abandoned/unattended and as a result many items, parts and components were either damaged or stolen/missing.
On October 20, 2018, the Chief Minister intervened into the matter and reviewed the status of LED based traffic signal system installed at eight locations. He then requested M/s Sun Technologies to take up immediate necessary action to make the systems functional. Shri N. Biren Singh also advised the Chief Secretary to name the Transport Department as the nodal agency for implementation, operation and maintenance of the system. He also asked all concerned to ensure functioning of the system before the opening of Manipur Sangai Festival commencing November 21.
Traffic signals at GPO junction and Kangla western gate are functional now. On the other hand, it is said that efforts are being made to start functioning of traffic signals at North AOC, Governor junction and Keishampat junction by November 22 while the traffic signals of Singjamei, Kwakeithel and Khoyathong will be operational by November 28.
