Three NST bus accidents since 2023 have left two dead and 46 injured, while Nagaland Police has 3,403 vacancies, Assembly told.
KOHIMA — Three accidents involving Nagaland State Transport (NST) buses have occurred from 2023 till date, resulting in two deaths and injuries to 46 passengers, Minister in-charge of the Transport department P Paiwang Konyak stated in a reply during the ninth session of the 14th Nagaland Legislative Assembly on Thursday.
The minister stated that ex-gratia compensation had been paid to all the deceased, while financial assistance was provided to the injured passengers.
Konyak informed the House that two of the accidents were caused by mechanical failure. An inquiry committee has been constituted to ascertain the cause of the accident that occurred on July 9, 2026. The driver involved in the accident has been placed under suspension, and the inquiry report is awaited.
To prevent accidents, the department has initiated several remedial measures, including regular monitoring of drivers through breath analysers to detect intoxication and substance abuse, and regular checking of buses by mechanics to ensure roadworthiness.
He further stated that enforcement officials conduct frequent checks of bus services to prevent rough driving and overloading. Controlling officers have also been directed from time to time to take effective measures to monitor the performance of drivers and conductors under their establishment.
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AEO office at Tobu
In another starred question raised by MLA A Nyamnyei Konyak, Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio stated that the Chief Electoral Officer of Nagaland had received a proposal for the establishment of an Assistant Election Officer office at Tobu ADC Headquarters.
The proposal, submitted by MLA A Nyamnyei Konyak and Naiba Konyak on August 14, 2026, is currently under examination, Rio stated.
DPR for Akhegwo-Kiphire road
Deputy Chief Minister and Minister in-charge of PWD (National Highways) TR Zeliang, in reply to MLA Kuzholuzo Nienu, informed the House that a Detailed Project Report (DPR) had been submitted to the Ministry for construction of the Akhegwo-Kiphire road, covering approximately 60 km.
He confirmed that the project would be taken up by the PWD (National Highways) under the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH).
Executive Engineer division at Tobu
In reply to MLA A Nyamnei Konyak, Minister of PWD (R&B) Kaito Aye stated that there is a proposal for the creation of an Executive Engineer division at Tobu.
He said the department is undertaking groundwork in accordance with the prescribed format issued by the P&AR Department for the creation or upgrade of a division.
This includes preparation of a feasibility report based on the road length covered, financial implications and staff requirements.
Aye stated that once all the parameters under the prescribed format are fulfilled, the proposal would be submitted to the technical committee for examination and subsequently forwarded to the government or State Cabinet for consideration.
Nagaland Police has 3,403 vacancies
Deputy Chief Minister (Home) Yanthungo Patton, in reply to MLA Kuzholuzo Nienu, stated that as of July 31, 2026, the sanctioned strength of the Nagaland Police was 25,429, against a posted strength of 23,234.
He stated that there were 3,403 vacancies in the police force as of the date.