The recent directives issued by the Mokokchung Municipal Council (MMC) mark a decisive and much-needed step toward improving urban transport management in Mokokchung town. Effective July 1, 2025, all inter-state and inter-district public transport services, including buses and Sumos, must operate exclusively from the Inter-State Bus Terminal (ISBT) at Yimyu. Intra-district services, meanwhile, will operate from the designated basement of the MMC Shopping Complex. These changes, though seemingly logistical, carry broader implications for the town’s urban planning, public convenience, and local economy.
Mokokchung has long struggled with disorganized traffic flow, congested junctions, and scattered transport counters clogging public spaces. Several attempts were made in the past to shift services to the ISBT, but they never materialized due to lack of enforcement or coordination. The latest directives signal a renewed commitment by the MMC to act decisively and ensure long-term benefits for the town.
From a governance standpoint, centralizing transport hubs is a rational move. It not only reduces random vehicle stationing across town but also improves traffic flow, enhances commuter experience, and simplifies regulatory oversight. The MMC’s additional stipulation that the designated areas are for passenger pick-up and drop-off only, and not for long-term parking, is a subtle but important detail that reflects the intent to keep transport points fluid and functional.
Beyond these immediate benefits, the economic implications deserve attention. By making the ISBT and the MMC Complex active transport nodes, the surrounding areas will likely experience a boost in footfall, leading to increased demand for food stalls, convenience shops, taxi services, and other small businesses. Organized transport infrastructure can also improve the efficiency of local supply chains and boost the town’s appeal for commercial activities and tourism.
Admittedly, transitions of this scale are rarely smooth. Commuters may face confusion during the initial days, and transport operators may resist the relocation. However, effective implementation, clear signage, community engagement, and strict enforcement can help normalize the change over time.
The MMC deserves credit for taking this bold step. What matters now is consistent follow-through. Mokokchung’s long-term growth depends not just on plans, but on the political will to see them through. This time, the town cannot afford to fall back into old patterns—especially now that we have an elected municipal council.