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DIMAPUR — The government of Nagaland has been urged to prioritise the repair of deteriorating 27-kilometre stretch along the Niuland-Kohima road via Ghotovi-Zhadima, in the backdrop of prolong inconvenience faced by commuters travelling between Dimapur and Kohima due to frequent landslides along the NH-29.
On Thursday, G Kahoto Jimomi, Head GB and Chairman of the Ghotovi Village Council, lamented the Niuland-Kohima road, the vital alternative route to the state capital, been neglected for over 15 years.
Highlighting the historical significance of the road, he noted that it was initially built during the British era. While the foundation remains intact, landslides frequently cause blockages and impede travel, he said.
The route, approximately 42 km in length, offers a crucial alternative to National Highway-29 between Dimapur and Kohima. However, a 27 km stretch, spanning from Hovishe to New Phekerkrema, passing through several villages in Wokha, Tseminyu, and Kohima districts, has fallen into disrepair.
The route connects several key locations, including Hovishe, Ghotovi, and Yenkeli under Wokha district, Logwesunyu and Tsosinyu under Tseminyu district, and New Phekerkrema, 10 IRB Zhadima, and 10 Mile Junction under Kohima district.
Urging the government to prioritise the maintenance and repair of this vital road, Jimomi said that this route serves as a lifeline for travellers heading not only to Kohima but also to other districts like Wokha, Tseminyu, Mokokchung, and Zunheboto.
He also highlighted the contrast between the blacktopped Dimapur-Niuland road and the deplorable condition of the 27 km stretch from Hovishe village to New Phekerkrema. Furthermore, the stretch from New Phekerkrema is being blacktopped all the way to Kohima, he said.
Jimomi went on to say that repairing the 27 km stretch would restore the full potential of the Niuland-Kohima road as a reliable, all-weather alternative to NH-29, which faces frequent closure of late. Currently limited to smaller vehicles due to its narrow width and weakened culverts, the road was originally built to accommodate even heavy vehicles, he maintained.
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Expressing concern over the possibility of the government forgetting the importance of the Niuland-Kohima road once the NH-29 is fully reopened to traffic, he urged the government to seize the opportunity and invest in repairing this critical route, ensuring its long-term viability and accessibility for the benefit of all residents.
This route, if made fully functional, would significantly benefit the people of four districts, he asserted.
Meanwhile, Jimomi also informed that representatives from seven villages along the route recently met with PWD (R&B) Minister, G Kaito Aye, to express their concerns and advocate for the road's repair.
The Minister reportedly assured to raise the issue with the government and work towards finding a solution.