Aizawl: Mizoram received a special award for excellence in traffic management at the 18th Urban Mobility India (UMI) Conference held recently in Haryana’s Gurugram, an official statement said.
The award was presented to Lalmalsawma Pachuau, Secretary of the state Urban Development & Poverty Alleviation (UD&PA) Department, by Union Housing and Urban Affairs Minister Manohar Lal and Minister of State Tokhan Sahu during the valedictory session, it added.
Organised annually by the Institute of Urban Transport (India) under the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA), the UMI Conference serves as a national platform to promote innovative, sustainable, and inclusive mobility solutions in urban India.
The recognition highlights the capital city’s innovative strategies in addressing urban mobility challenges amid one of India’s most geographically challenging terrains.
Mizoram’s traffic management system features distinctive local practices such as the courteous “Pete Pete” honk for overtaking and initiatives like designating “No Vehicle Zones” in Aizawl during festive occasions.
For the award selection, the Town & Country Planning Wing of Mizoram’s Urban Development & Poverty Alleviation (UD&PA) Department was invited to present its initiatives before the selection committee, the statement said.
On October 16, the department submitted a video and PowerPoint presentation highlighting the state’s innovative approaches to urban traffic management. The presentation showcased Mizoram’s exemplary adherence to traffic rules, disciplined road behaviour among citizens, minimal congestion despite limited road space, and the effective functioning of the coordination committee on traffic management.
It also emphasized how Aizawl has earned the distinction of being called a ‘Silent City’ due to the citizens’ commendable restraint in honking.
The Mizoram government dedicated the award to the people of the state, acknowledging their cooperation, civic sense, and collective commitment to maintaining traffic discipline, the statement added.
It also expressed gratitude to all departments involved for their dedicated efforts and effective coordination, the statement said.
Mizoram’s exemplary traffic discipline has often been praised online and by prominent personalities, including former President Ram Nath Kovind. This culture of road etiquette has earned Aizawl the distinction of being known as India’s ‘Silent City’ or ‘No Honking City’.
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A unique rule followed by motorists is that four-wheelers keep to the left side of the road, while two-wheelers stay to the right, ensuring smooth traffic flow without overtaking or crossing into the opposite lane. Mizoram’s traffic discipline is largely rooted in public awareness and a collective sense of responsibility, with drivers rarely resorting to honking.
