| Litem Eshi Ori |
ITANAGAR, May 8: With traffic congestion in the Capital Region worsening day by day, citizens have started demanding practical and long-term solutions to reduce the growing pressure on roads in Itanagar and Naharlagun.
One major suggestion gaining public attention is the introduction of a departmental bus transportation system for government offices, colleges and institutions. Concerned citizens pointed out that hundreds of employees currently use separate private vehicles every day, resulting in severe traffic congestion during office hours.
According to public opinion, if departments such as the Civil Secretariat, educational institutions and other government establishments arrange dedicated buses for their staff, the number of vehicles on the roads could be drastically reduced.
“For example, if 100 Secretariat employees bring 100 separate cars, traffic congestion becomes unavoidable. But if the same employees travel in a few buses, road pressure can reduce significantly,” opined a citizen.
Similar concerns have also been raised regarding colleges and institutions where large numbers of staff commute individually despite travelling daily to the same destination.
Citizens believe that introducing a staff bus could provide multiple benefits, including reduction in traffic congestion, lower fuel consumption, reduced pollution levels, easier parking management, and safer and more affordable travel for employees.
Many major cities across the country already operate staff buses and shuttle systems for government offices and institutions. Citizens feel that since roads in the capital region are narrow and the number of vehicles is increasing every year, introducing departmental buses could become one of the most effective long-term solutions to the growing traffic crisis.
Residents also expressed concern that travelling between Naharlagun and Itanagar sometimes takes nearly three to four hours due to massive traffic congestion. Many questioned how ambulances and emergency vehicles would function during serious medical emergencies if they remain stuck for hours on overcrowded roads.
Apart from departmental bus services, citizens have also suggested several additional measures to reduce traffic congestion in the capital region, including strengthening the public transport network, encouraging carpooling, strict enforcement of no-parking zones, construction of multi-level parking facilities, restricting heavy vehicles during peak office hours, promoting traffic awareness and civic discipline, and imposing heavy penalties for traffic rule violations.
Many have urged the State Government to seriously consider a modern and well-organised transport policy for the capital region before the traffic situation becomes even more difficult to manage in the coming years.