The one-way traffic system on both sides of N.L. Road to Holy Cross Junction, was introduced sometime in October 2024 as a temporary traffic diversion during the re-construction of the Road Over Bridge (ROB) on NH 29, near DDSC Stadium.
As part of this arrangement, vehicles from Supermarket, Eros Lane, and MP Road are to enter the one-way route through NL Road.
The ROB reconstruction was completed and opened to traffic on February 2, 2025 but the one-way traffic route along N.L. Road continues. This has caused deep disappointments among shopkeepers, traders and shoppers, who claim it has increased traffic jam particularly during peak hours, result-ing in long queues and daily bottlenecks.
A commuter told Nagaland Post, “The previous system was far more effi-cient and better suited to manage the heavy volume of vehicles at this crucial junction.” Another shop keeper said that an entire road which is the main artery of the City being turned into a one-way traffic made no sense.
Many business firms and shops claim that sales have come down drastically due to the one-way system on NL Road. On the other hand, parents of schools located along the road complained that they are finding it very difficult to drop and pick up their children to and from schools as they have to take a circuitous route around the city.
Even auto rickshaws are also not allowed from 9 a.m. onwards till 7 p.m. thereby causing severe hardship on many employees of shops and banks in-cluding shoppers.
Even residents living in the area are also facing enormous problems going to and fro due to the one-way traffic rule.
A section of the public is urging authorities to revert to the earlier traffic ar-rangement for smoother movement. Easing traffic in Dimapur is a challenge since the route from Tragopan Junc-tion- Burma Camp continues to affect even up to Clock Tower Junction.
However, residents expect the authorities to thoroughly assess the situation and take appropriate action to ensure a more efficient and balanced traffic system for all.