Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma chaired a meeting on Monday to discuss the implementation of the Aizawl Sustainable Urban Transport Project (ASUTP) under the Externally Aided Project scheme.
The meeting was also attended by K Sapdanga Minister of Urban Development and Poverty Alleviation (UD&PA) Department, TBC Lalvenchhunga, Adviser to Chief Minister on Finance and Planning, V. Lalsangliana Commissioner and Secretary, UD&PA, David Lalthantluanga, Secretary, Planning and Programme Implementation Department, SP, Aizawl Traffic, among other government officials.
Representatives from Central YMA, Aizawl City Bus Owner’s Association, Mizoram Taxi Association, and Mizoram Maxi Cab Owner’s Association were also present in the meeting.
The Chief Minister emphasized the vital need for a reliable public transport system to ease urban congestion. He stated that to encourage more people to use public transport, it must be kept clean, well-managed, and operate on a punctual schedule. He expressed his appreciation for the ‘Aizawl Sustainable Urban Transport Project’ under the UD&PA Department, which aims to not only ease city traffic but also improve public health through pedestrian walkways, traffic junction improvements, and dedicated parking spaces for buses, trucks, and maxi cabs.
Furthermore, he noted the importance of advanced planning for key highways outside Aizawl city limits before these areas become heavily populated and congested.
During the meeting, Jacob Lalawmpuia, Director of UD&PA, gave a PowerPoint presentation on the project. According to the presentation, ASUTP is an initiative to be implemented through the Asian Development Bank (ADB). Phase-I of the project is scheduled to run between Financial Years 2027-28 and 2030-31.
With a budget of Rs 414.04 crores, the project will cover public transport upgrades, construction of depot terminals and EV charging stations, upgrades of three major traffic junctions within Aizawl city: Kulikawn–Bawngkawn, Temple Square–Vaivakawn, and Bawngkawn–Ramhlun, construction of regional terminals for buses and maxi cabs at Muallungthu, Sihhmui, and Bungbangla, and construction of truck terminals at Sihhmui and Bungbangla.
The meeting also discussed adding cold chain storage facilities and wholesale markets at these upcoming regional terminals for buses, maxi cabs, and trucks.
Additionally, the attendees discussed connecting Aizawl city roads with the ongoing Aizawl Western Bypass road project at multiple points to help alleviate traffic congestion.
