The Kohima to Dimapur national highway, a crucial connectivity lifeline for Nagaland and also Manipur, has been a road of concern for commuters and travellers alike as monsoon is approaching soon. Spanning approximately 42 kilometres of four lanes and a few kilometres of two lanes, this highway is a vital link between Dimapur, the commercial hub and the gateway to Kohima, the State Capital.
The road condition on this stretch has been a mixed bag. While some sections have been upgraded and widened to four lanes, others remain in a state of despair. The potholes, landslides and erosion have made it a nightmare for the commuters, who are forced to navigate through treacherous terrain to reach their destinations, especially in monsoon. The situation is exacerbated by the region’s geology, which makes it prone to landslides. The heavy rainfall during the monsoon season only adds to the problem, causing soil erosion and further damaging the road. The consequences of inaction will be severe, with commuters facing increased travel time, safety risks, economic losses and worst of all, loss of precious life.
The Kohima-Dimapur road is not only a route; it is a lifeline that connects people, businesses and communities. Thus being a critical route, it is time to take a proactive approach to maintaining the road, rather than just reacting to emergencies. The struggle for a better Kohima-Dimapur road is not new and with the onset of monsoon, the situation will only worsen. The commuters will continue to suffer and the economy will bear the brunt of the poor road conditions.
There are some vulnerable spots – old KMC dustbin area landslide, Mandir sinking area, Dzudza Landlide, Pherima landslide, Pagla pahar river erosion & rock falls where we have witnessed loss of lives, accidents, massive traffic jams, frequent breakdown of trucks and other vehicles.
There were war footing repair works on NH 29 before the Hornbill festival, and travelling has become very convenient thereafter. In fact, it takes lesser time these days to commute to Dimapur than to travel within the Kohima town.
However, the restoration work seems to have completely stopped after the Hornbill festival at the Old KMC dustbin and Mandir area. If these vulnerable spots are not repaired now, during the dry season, then we will witness the same problems which we have been witnessing for years & decades during the monsoon; the monsoon is just a few months away.
The commuter SOS is not just a call to action; it is a reminder that the government has a responsibility to provide its citizens with safe and reliable infrastructure. The Kohima-Dimapur road is a critical part of this infrastructure and the government must take immediate action to address the issue.
In conclusion, the deplorable condition of the Kohima-Dimapur highway is a stark reminder of the pressing need for collective action and responsible governance. As we reflect on the numerous challenges and hazards that plague this critical artery, it becomes increasingly evident that the status quo is untenable.
Therefore, I would like to appeal to the concerned authority/ies of NH 29 – let’s not park the restoration work for the monsoon to test the vulnerability of our only four-lane highway. Let’s start the work today.
Let’s build and enjoy an all-season road, come rain or sunshine.
Ms. Thripila Sangtam
6th Semester,
Dept. of Political
Science
Modern College
Piphema
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