By Aafaque Hussain
Shillong in recent years has become one of the most congested cities in the North East region with increased investments, concrete buildings and unprecedented traffic jams.
Though traffic is at its peak in the hilly town, yet there is nothing much that can be done to reduce the traffic snarls.
Shillong roads are already narrow and small unlike the other cities, yet the Shillong Traffic Police is resorting to different moves and maneuvers to ensure free roads in the city.
Though jams are on the rise, yet there is a very grim chance that the smaller roads of Shillong can be extended thanks to the land acquisition problem which is one of the most challenging jobs for any Government in the State.
Finding no other option, the Shillong Traffic Police (STP) is forced to resort to the system of “One way” in different pockets of the city to avoid traffic snarls.
Now the one way system has been implemented in many parts of the city be it Barik to Civil Hospital point,Civil Hospital to State Central Library, entire Laban stretch till the police station, Hotel Pine Wood to Polo market, Lumdiengjri till Motphran point any many others.
The one way rule may not satisfy each and every citizens, yet the traffic department is compelled to come out with the same to ensure free roads for the citizens.
In addition, the Shillong Traffic police personnel are seen doing their jobs to the best of their ability ensuring smooth flow of vehicles.
Earlier, the Government came out with a proposal to construct fly-overs from Rap’s Mansion to Sweeper Lane, Mawlonghat to ease the traffic congestion but many years have gone and till date the plan has not been materialized due to non availability of defence land.
To address the traffic snarls, the Government installed traffic lights at an estimated budget of around 2 crores few years back, but now the traffic lights have gone kaput and many have turned into a rub lime polls.
Now, the question is whether State Government can go on the lines of Assam Government as they constructed flyovers throughout city for the benefit of their citizens.
