Traffic jams are the bane of our existence and something that is present in every city and place. They are why people start their journey at least 30 minutes to an hour prior to wherever they have to go.
Bangalore is one of the most infamous cities, with its traffic jams catching legendary status. However, there is a place in India, called the Silent City, that is free of traffic jams and loud honkings.
This title is not just a marketing gimmick, but a reflection of the city’s unusual traffic culture and a deep-rooted respect for order and quiet. The city in question is Aizawl, the capital city of Mizoram, India.
In a country synonymous with chaotic roads, constant honking, and gridlocked traffic, Aizawl stands as an unexpected beacon of tranquillity. Its roads are remarkably free of honking, even during rush hours, and traffic flows in a calm, organised manner.
What Is India’s Silent City?
Aizawl, the capital city of Mizoram, has earned the title of “Silent City” due to its remarkably peaceful traffic conditions, which include the absence of honking. While honking is ubiquitous in most Indian cities, Aizawl remains an anomaly.
People drive calmly, respecting traffic rules and showing patience even in heavy traffic. It’s an unexpected sight in a country where honking has become so ingrained in driving culture that it is almost second nature to most drivers.
What makes Aizawl’s traffic system stand out even more is its nearly complete lack of traffic jams, a rarity in India, where congestion is often a daily struggle.
A local, Robert Pachau, speaking with NDTV in 2017, said that “People here are polite and disciplined. If there is a traffic jam we realize there is some problem, so high honking won’t be a solution.”
Lal Thanhawla, former Chief Minister of Mizoram, also explained, “We don’t allow noisy roaring bikers, we don’t allow honking, and to overtake since roads are narrow and pedestrians are threatened. We experimented odd-even formul,a and it was successful.”
Even when vehicles do honk, it is usually only in a grave situation, or surprisingly to say thank you. As per a June New Indian Express report, the author revealed how Mizos would do a two ‘honk honk’ when “opposing vehicle is passing parallel to theirs. This gentle double honk is to say Thank You.”
The city also has a deep sense of civic sense, where people want to avoid unnecessary fights and messes, unlike in some of the other major cities of India. Where in Delhi, Mumbai, or Bangalore, people try to wedge in through any available space, disregarding whether there even is any in the first place and creating more of a gridlock, in Aizawl, citizens want to prevent that.
Read More: Why Visiting Hill Stations Can Be A Threat To Your Life
A driver named Joel, who has driven in various states, speaking with The New Indian Express, explained, “Elsewhere, police are often seen controlling, sometimes beating people and traffic. Here, they seem genuinely focused on helping people.”
A report by NDTV mentions that signs along major roads remind drivers to respect the silence and avoid honking.
The term “Silent City” is not just a quirky nickname but a genuine description of Aizawl’s traffic culture. According to experts, Aizawl’s distinction comes from its local ethos and conscientious approach towards traffic.
Aizawl’s lack of honking is often attributed to its social fabric, where respect for one another is integral to daily life. Unlike the honking frenzy seen in other parts of India, Aizawl’s drivers are more likely to wait patiently at traffic signals, even if there are long delays.
The city’s traffic harmony is further bolstered by the Mizoram government’s strategic approach to road management and urban planning. The government has implemented strict traffic rules, including a no-honking policy that is actively enforced by local authorities.
The calm roads of Aizawl also improve the overall quality of life. Lower noise pollution contributes to better mental health for residents, and the city’s slower pace of life allows for more mindfulness in daily activities. This has made Aizawl not only a traffic-free zone but a model for other cities striving to reduce noise pollution and improve urban living conditions.
Image Credits: Google Images
Sources: Times Now News, GQ India, The Hindu
Find the blogger: @chirali_08
This post is tagged under: Silent City, Silent City india, traffic jams, traffic jam india, honking, north east, north east india, Silent City Mizoram, Mizoram, Aizawl, Aizawl Mizoram, Aizawl Silent City
Disclaimer: We do not hold any rights or copyright over any of the images used; these have been taken from Google. In case of credits or removal, the owner may kindly email us.
Other Recommendations:
This Village In Maharashtra Is Better Than Most Urban Indian Cities
