The stretch of road between Dimapur and Kohima, the National Highway 29 also covered under Asian Highway (AH) 1 and AH2 currently under four laning without any exaggeration has taken a lot of lives. If statistics are sought, this road might be responsible for most human fatalities in Nagaland next to factional clashes keeping aside those from other causes. There will be many residents of Kohima and Dimapur in particular and even those from beyond the two districts and the state of Manipur to whom someone known could have gotten maimed or killed in an accident along this stretch. The rate of vehicular accidents might most probably very soon go up as foreseen by many due to excavation works for the 4 lane, not meaning to cause trepidations but this road before completion will sadly be taking some more precious, innocent lives.
Therefore it is necessary and about time the government through appropriate channels and deserved actions provide professional, official advisories to travellers. Also putting proper mechanisms in place so that both preventive and recovery response to any eventuality does not lack and also temporary regulations should also be made effective after proper consultation with concerned departments and agencies.
Dimapur-Kohima NH 29 has always been a recipe for disaster. The alignment, the gradient, the amount of traffic and the speed of vehicles has always required extreme caution. Now the scale has been raised very higher! Emergency response services should be promptly be stationed in some static locations 24X7 starting now till monsoons are over. Mobile traffic personals and armed police units should also be arranged to patrol continuously and assist stranded travellers, accident victims and without doubt to take control of incidents of road rage which will hit the roof!
Some non-regular inputs from driving experience.
1. Avoid recreational travel between the two districts for the time being.
2. The Dimapur -Kohima road should be given a 3 to 4 hour timeline excluding traffic jams.
3. It is very important now, more than ever that vehicle tyres be in good condition and right amount of air pressure.
4. Avoid straying too close to heavy vehicles and give them right of way.
5. Over taking should be done with extreme caution.
6. If travelling at night stop to wash headlights at regular intervals.
7. Stop to assist other motorist in breakdowns and do not hesitate to ask for help if you get into one.
8. Expect to spend hours stuck on the road due to accidents or other factors.
9. Avoid road rage.
10. Follow traffic rules and driving etiquette at all cost!
Peter Rutsa
