Traffic jam has always been an annoying part of our daily schedule. They make our already miserable life amid the pandemic more miserable. It is also one of the best excuses if you are late for office or a meeting. But above all, it is the worst kind of annoyance a person can get in his lifetime. Well, what can be more annoying than traffic jam.
Since the start of the Covid Unlock order of the government, Imphal city has been witnessing more traffic jams. Most of the people have been avoiding commuting by public transports due to fear of infection and because public transports were banned from operating in view of the pandemic situation. It was only when the government issued an order to operate with 50 per cent capacity. But who cares. Fifty per cent or 99.99 per cent capacity, people (the drivers) have to survive. People’s movement cannot be stopped.
As in other parts of the metros, Manipur has also been witnessing ever-increasing number of vehicles plying on roads. People have become more open to space but started encroaching on lands, leaving narrow roads. Over encroachment issue, brawls between neighbours are becoming more frequent than over a cup of coffee.
But the good news of the New Year 2022 is the visit of the country’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Imphal. In view of the visit, security has been beefed up as usual. Red zones have been identified, even petrol pumps are being ordered to be closed to ensure smooth movement. That means no traffic jam for the prime minister.
Most importantly, beautification of Imphal city is being widely taken up. Paint jobs, road dividers are being maintained and plants are getting watered. The effort to welcome the prime minister is commendable.
The year 2022 is also expected to bring about the creation of new places, like the Imphal River Front which also has an open gym for healthy Manipur. Ima Keithel has been heavily decorated with lights and mini food trucks at night. Imphal Mall Road is in store. We even have working traffic lights and streets are being cleaned. The work is in full swing.
When the normal routes are suddenly diverted, maybe for security reasons, the rush hour have become race hour. And it has given a chance to some to show off their driving skill. The one who can drive through that small lean space without a scratch in their vehicle is the winner. As life goes on with or without PM's visit, the public is more concerned about which road they should take while going to work. Is it because of the road condition or the rule condition?
We have witnessed many changes during Union Home Minister Amit Shah's visit last December. Imphal was beautiful again. Many schemes and economic packages were announced. This time, it's the Prime Minister of India visiting Manipur, a small state in Northeast India, the jewel of India, it is called. The jewel is being polished for the VVIP visit. Let all the efforts add to the beauty of the jewel. Thank you, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, for visiting Manipur and giving an opportunity to the state for a good makeover! More VVIP visits, perhaps, would help Manipur develop faster and build back better.
