Wokha-Hanimi road approved as National Highway

WOKHA, AUG 7 (NPN): The long-awaited Wokha-Hanimi Road has received a major boost after the State Cabinet approved the approximately 70-km stretch from Zero Point, Wokha, to Yankeli village as a National Highway.
The road, which passes through the Lotha-inhabited area, is expected to benefit people across eight districts by improving regional connectivity and providing a shorter route to Dimapur, reducing dependence on the longer Kohima route. The approval was accorded at the State Cabinet meeting held at Doyang on August 6 under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio.
Following the decision, Y. Mhonbemo Humtsoe, MLA; deputy commissioner K. Mhathung Tsanglao, executive engineer (R&B) Mhathung Kikon and local community representatives jointly inspected the Wokha-Totsu road on Thursday.
The inspection revealed that several stretches had become non-motorable due to landslides and other obstructions, severely affecting vehicular movement.
To restore connectivity, Humtsoe has initiated a drive to clear nearly 40 km of the affected road by removing landslide debris and other blockages to make the route temporarily motorable. He appealed to local communities to extend their cooperation during the road-clearing exercise.
Meanwhile, Naga People’s Front (NPF) 38 assembly constituency officials, along with Humtsoe, held separate meetings with villagers of Khumtsu and Tsungza at their respective community halls.
During the meetings, villagers raised various grievances and appreciated the MLA for developmental works undertaken in their areas.
Addressing the gatherings, Humtsoe said the Cabinet’s approval of the Wokha-Hanimi Road as a National Highway would pave the way for improved infrastructure, economic growth and better livelihood opportunities for communities along the route.
He also highlighted several ongoing and completed projects, including the receipt of the work order for blacktopping the Tesophenyu-Shaki road, the near completion of the Working Women’s Hostel at Tsumang Colony, and the execution of Phase II of the GHSS-Molonsu Junction-Hospital Road with paver blocks after completion of Phase I.
Humtsoe further said the new DC’s office complex was nearing completion, while work on a sewage treatment plant for Wokha town had commenced following receipt of the work order. He added that streetlights would also be installed soon.
He said over 40 developmental projects covering roads, public infrastructure and other sectors were either underway or completed across the district.
Representatives of Khumtsu and Tsungza urged people to adopt a collective approach towards development by supporting leaders committed to the welfare of society rather than personal interests.