Pothole-ridden Dhobinala–Thahekhu road strains traffic as monsoon sets in

DIMAPUR — With the onset of the monsoon season, the Dhobinala–Signal–Thahekhu road stretch has once again developed numerous potholes, posing serious challenges for commuters. Several large potholes have emerged across various points along the stretch, and their size and depth continue to worsen with each passing day.

The deteriorating road condition has turned this crucial stretch into a hazardous, slow-moving route, squeezing traffic into a single lane in several sections. Frequent jams and prolonged travel times have become a daily challenge for residents and office-goers.

Speaking to this newspaper, Tinuwati, an engineer from the Urban Development Department, Dimapur, said that the department is aware of the issue. He explained that while the road was formerly under the jurisdiction of the Public Works Department (Roads & Bridges), it was officially transferred to the Urban Development Department in 2020.

According to Tinuwati, the department is preparing to carry out pothole repair work, which may begin as early as next month. However, he clarified that a full-scale road reconstruction is not currently feasible due to high costs, unless supported under a Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS).

“For now, the department is preparing to carry out basic pothole filling, which may begin as early as next month along this road stretch,” he said.

Tinuwati added that other severely damaged roads within Dimapur have been identified for repairs and will be taken up when funds become available.

It is worth noting that the Dhobinala–Signal–Thahekhu road stretch is a vital route, housing key institutions such as the Sub-Urban Police Station, ACP Office, Nagaland Pollution Control Board, and MARCOFED.

At present, the Urban Development Department manages a total of 201.5 kilometres of roads in Dimapur, with 162.5 km under the Dimapur Municipal area and 39.1 km under East Dimapur.

Also read: Monsoon lays bare Dimapur’s sanitation struggles