The Mizoram government has unveiled a road and transport plan for Aizawl, the state capital.
It is called the Aizawl Sustainable Urban Transport Project (ASUTP). The first phase has a budget of Rs 414.04 crore.
The main goal is to reduce the heavy traffic jams in the city. Aizawl is built on hills, and many of its roads are narrow.
Too many vehicles use these few roads every day.
The plan was presented on Monday at a review meeting in Aizawl. Chief Minister Lalduhoma chaired the meeting.
Officials from the Urban Development and Poverty Alleviation (UD&PA) department gave the details.
Key points
- The Aizawl plan has a Phase I budget of Rs 414.04 crore.
- Phase I is set to run from 2027-28 to 2030-31.
- It targets three busy city junctions and builds new bus and truck terminals.
- The funding is worked out with the Asian Development Bank (ADB), a lender that helps fund projects.
What will actually be built in Aizawl?
The plan covers three busy traffic zones in the city.
These are Kulikawn to Bawngkawn, Temple Square to Vaivakawn, and Bawngkawn to Ramhlun.
Graphic: News Anek, from the facts in this report
The work includes safer footpaths and better road junctions.
It also includes depot terminals and electric vehicle (EV) charging stations.
Officials say these will support cleaner public transport.
The Chief Minister said people will use buses only if the service is clean and well run.
He also said buses must keep strict, punctual timings.
Where will the new terminals come?
The plan adds new terminals outside the crowded city centre.
Combined bus and maxi cab terminals will come at Muallungthu, Sihhmui and Bungbangla.
Heavy truck terminals will come at Sihhmui and Bungbangla.
Some of these outer yards will also get cold storage and wholesale markets. This can help move farm produce more easily.
The city roads will also be linked to the ongoing Aizawl Western Bypass road project.
This can divert heavy vehicles away from the inner city.
What happens next for the city?
Phase I is set to run from 2027-28 to 2030-31. The state has also been asked to plan highways outside the city limits.
The Chief Minister said this planning must start before those areas become crowded.
Explainer
What happened before
- The Aizawl Western Bypass road project is already ongoing.
- The Aizawl transport plan is being built in partnership with the Asian Development Bank (ADB).
Why it matters
Heavy traffic in Aizawl's narrow streets affects daily travel and public health. The plan also aims to make roads and footpaths safer for people.
What to watch next
- Phase I is set to run from 2027-28 to 2030-31.
- Planners will also design highways outside the city limits before those areas become crowded.
