CNCCI renews upgrade call as fresh mudslides choke NH-29

DIMAPUR — The Confederation of Nagaland Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CNCCI) has called for an urgent upgrade of National Highway 29, even as fresh mudslides along the Tsiedukhru range (Pagla Pahar) on Friday forced authorities to suspend vehicular movement along the state’s most vital road link.

In a statement issued on Saturday, the CNCCI criticised the government’s failure to ensure year-round upkeep of the highway, describing it as a ‘December Highway’ that becomes pliable only during the Hornbill Festival and Christmas season.

“National Highway 29, the oldest and most critical highway in Nagaland connecting the state’s economic and political capital to the rest of Nagaland and Manipur, has become one of the most unreliable and hazardous roads in the region.

“Commercial vehicles traverse this stretch as if deploying tanks and military equipment in a war zone, risking collision and catastrophe at every turn. Similarly, commuters are forced to entrust their lives to chance, much like soldiers heading into battle,” the statement read.

Also read: Fresh mudslides at ‘Pagla Pahar’ shut NH-29 traffic

The body highlighted the heavy economic losses suffered annually due to damaged vehicles, delayed shipments, and spoilt perishable goods, estimating the cost to run into hundreds of crores of rupees.

It also stressed the untold suffering of commuters, particularly during medical emergencies, which often become life-threatening due to the state of the road.

Rejecting arguments about unstable terrain, the CNCCI stated that neighbouring states such as Mizoram, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, and Meghalaya—despite similar topography—have been able to maintain all-weather roads.

Read more: NH-29 section near Old KMC dumping site closed to traffic

Rain triggers mudslide on NH-29, one-way traffic restored

It asserted that the real issue lies in the state government’s failure to exercise oversight and enforce long-term planning, instead of shifting responsibility onto the NHIDCL.

“It is high time this crisis is addressed with the seriousness it demands,” CNCCI said, while calling for NH-29 to be upgraded into a four-lane, all-season highway to ensure the safety, dignity, and economic prosperity of the people.

“It is high time this crisis was addressed with the seriousness it demands. The December Highway must be upgraded into an all-season, four-lane highway, ensuring the safety, dignity, and economic prosperity of the people of Nagaland.

“Their lives, livelihoods, and future deserve far better than a road that functions only when festivals arrive. The CNCCI calls upon the state government, MORTH, NHIDCL and stakeholders to take immediate, sustained action to resolve this long-standing crisis once and for all,” it stated.