Aizawl, Sept 11: Eighty years ago, a remarkable feat took place as a young man drove the very first motor vehicle into Aizawl, then a quaint hill station. This historic event marks a significant milestone in the transportation history of Mizoram.
The story revolves around Rochhinga, a determined 23-year-old at the time, who embarked on the challenging task of bringing a Chevrolet mini-truck to Aizawl. His journey was riddled with hardships and obstacles, making it one of the most impressive accomplishments of its time.
Rochhinga’s extraordinary journey began with the need to disassemble the vehicle in Dwarbond, located in Assam’s Cachar district, before loading it onto a boat for transport. After days of travel, he finally reached Sairang village, situated on the banks of the river Tlawng, about 20 kilometers west of Aizawl. Here, he meticulously reassembled the truck, ready to drive it into Aizawl.
Rochhinga’s determination and skills were truly remarkable, as he spent an entire month reassembling the truck for the final leg of his journey. The road between Sairang and Aizawl, now a well-paved route, was nothing like what it is today. In those days, this road could only be traversed on foot or by bullock carts. The sight of a motor vehicle on this road was entirely unheard of.
The day Rochhinga drove the vehicle into Aizawl marked a historic occasion. People from all around came out of their houses to witness this unprecedented event. Some enthusiastic boys even chased the truck, and Rochhinga was celebrated as a demi-god by the astonished onlookers.
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The superintendent of Lushai Hills (now Mizoram) went so far as to issue a prohibitory order for the day. It advised people not to fetch firewood closer than a furlong from the Sairang to Aizawl road, fearing that the impact of the running vehicle might knock them off the road.
Eight decades later, Aizawl has transformed into a bustling city, home to over 2 lakh vehicles. These vehicles now navigate the city’s narrow roads, often causing significant traffic congestion.
According to data from the Mizoram Transport Department (MTD), as of March this year, 3,12,952 vehicles have been registered in Mizoram. Remarkably, a majority of these vehicles, about 63.88 percent (2,17,389), are registered in Aizawl district alone.
Rochhinga’s pioneering journey into Aizawl remains a testament to human determination and the relentless pursuit of progress. His dedication paved the way for the thriving vehicular culture that exists in Mizoram today. As we commemorate the 80th anniversary of this historic event, we honor Rochhinga’s enduring legacy and the enduring spirit of adventure and innovation.
