In Nagaland, the four lane road project connecting Dimapur with the state capital Kohima, is taking many years to complete it. It seems to have started in the year 2015 and was agreed to complete within 3 years by the Nagaland Government which resulted many difficulties for public transportations between Dimapur and Kohima.
The conditions of other roads within the State are also badly neglected since the last few years without any signs of either new constructions or repair. All the money sent by the central to construct roads seems to vanish each year.
The politicians of Nagaland rushes will provide black topping of roads just before the election to cover the pot-holes in order to make public happy to gain some votes during elections.
The condition of the roads in almost all the districts is terrible. It is neglected for many years without constructing or repair. For example, take the road condition between Tuensang and Noklak. The road condition is so horrible that the one who takes the road has to bear the untold misery of bone wrenching and stomach churning journey. Due to the fear of the horrible road, sometimes, we, who have to go through those roads, do not feel like visiting our own hometowns during the winter breaks or summer breaks which is very disappointing.
If the government is not in a position to maintain the condition of the roads, it should at least ensure proper safety measures by putting up effective safety devices including reflectors and signboards, safety barriers, guide walls, proper drainage, proper manning of hazardous zones and deputing quick response team on vulnerable stretch of roads and accident prone areas. This will ensure low accident rates thus saving precious lives as this is one of the main reasons why many lives have been affected due to accidents happening more frequently.
The government should therefore take up effective measures and responsibilities for any road development projects.
Phanyiu, 1st semester (Honours), Department of English, Modern College, Kohima