Dr Asangba Tzudir
With the completion of the 4-lane highway from Purana Bazaar to Chümoukedima, commuters are now enjoying a smooth ride, and more than anything else it has drastically cut down on travel time. However, this stretch of the road comes with its own set of dangers which has been attested by accidents happening initially. However, for a short while, especially during the festive season, no accidents were reported because of the enforcement of norms and regulations on traffic control.
In the latest move, the Commissioner of Police, Dimapur has issued a notice that the vehicular speed limit is fixed at 40 Kms/hour within Dimapur town area upto Chümoukedima w.e.f January 5 to February 3 “in the interest of public safety and convenience and as per rules laid down under Section 112 of MV Ac.”
While the move towards ensuring public safety from road accidents is much appreciated, the new speed limit set though on an experimental trial for about a month’s time, throws up certain questions. While the new speed limit may aid in the safety measures, curtailing the speed limit especially in the four-lane stretch will only add to the traffic congestion especially in the town area.
Highlighting the slowness of the set speed limit, a commentator in social media opined that 40 kmph was still better than walking and that it would be a shame for those people if they die due to accidents at such a speed limit. Another raised whether the same speed limit would apply to the VIP’s who normally enact a ‘rush hour’ while on the road.
With the odd even numbered vehicle movement restriction lifted, there has been heavy traffic congestion for most part of the day. Re-imposing the odd even numbered vehicle movement system may only work for a limited time if implemented well. It is also not a long term measure because it does not address the problems of traffic jams. A more efficient public transport system is desirable.
Rather than reducing the speed limit, certain basics needs to be set straight starting from using seat belts to obeying traffic rules especially avoidance of wrong lane driving or overtaking from a wrong lane. Proper licensing is one integral area that requires urgent attention. Also, in the four lane stretch where 100 kmph for cars and 90 kmph for trucks is the limit for 4 lane highways in India, it is important that vehicles are properly serviced and maintained to withstand such speeds in order to avoid accidents due to mechanical breakdown.
Thus, on issues of safety, limiting the speed limit is not the ideal thing in context. On the whole, road safety and traffic rules are there but it is often ignored, and therefore it requires strict adherence for everyone’s safety and well-being.
(Dr Asangba Tzudir contributes a weekly guest editorial to The Morung Express. Comments can be emailed to asangtz@gmail.com)
