Mizoram has received a special award for outstanding performance in traffic management at the 18th Urban Mobility India (UMI) Conference held recently in Gurugram, Haryana, the state government announced.
The award was presented to Lalmalsawma Pachuau, Secretary of the Urban Development and Poverty Alleviation (UD & PA) Department, by Union Housing and Urban Affairs Minister Manohar Lal and Minister of State Tokhan Sahuduring the valedictory session.
Organised annually by the Institute of Urban Transport (India) under the aegis of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA), the UMI Conference serves as a key platform to promote sustainable, inclusive, and innovative urban mobility solutions across India.
For the selection process, Mizoram’s Town and Country Planning Wing of the UD & PA Department was invited to present its work before the national award committee. On October 16, the department submitted a detailed presentation — both in video and PowerPoint format — showcasing the state’s unique and citizen-driven approach to managing urban traffic.
The presentation emphasised Mizoram’s disciplined road behaviour, strict adherence to traffic regulations, and minimal congestion despite limited road space. It also highlighted the successful functioning of the state’s traffic management coordination committee.
A key feature of Mizoram’s success story is the capital city Aizawl, often referred to as the “Silent City” or “No Honking City” for its remarkable public discipline. Drivers in Mizoram follow a simple but effective system — four-wheelers keep to the left, two-wheelers to the right, and no vehicle overtakes or crosses into oncoming lanes.
The Mizoram government has dedicated the award to the people of the state, lauding their civic sense, cooperation, and respect for road discipline. The statement also extended appreciation to all departments involved in traffic coordination and enforcement.
Mizoram’s model of road discipline has often been celebrated nationally, including by former President Ram Nath Kovind, who praised Aizawl’s calm and orderly traffic culture. The state’s approach demonstrates how public awareness and collective responsibility can create a model of urban mobility admired across India.
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