Correspondent
WOKHA, AUG 30 (NPN): People and village authorities of 12 villages along the Wokha-Bokajan road have welcomed the State Cabinet’s decision to pursue National Highway (NH) status for the road, expressing appreciation to chief minister Neiphiu Rio and minister for Roads and Bridges G. Kaito Aye for the initiative.
The villages include Longsa, Ekoktchu, Pongidong, Tsungza, Khumtsu, Meriyan, L. Yanthung, Totsu, Hanku, Phiro, Shaki and Sankiton.
The villagers said the Wokha-Bokajan road was an important route connecting the foothill areas with Dimapur and would provide a shorter and more convenient route for people from the region and neighbouring districts.
The villages urged the Central government to consider and grant the National Highway status to the road.
They said improved connectivity would bring significant developmental and economic benefits, particularly to the farming community, by facilitating transportation of agricultural produce and providing better access to markets.
The villagers also acknowledged the efforts of the four Lotha legislators in pursuing the matter with the Centre through meetings with the Union Minister for approval of the Wokha–Bokajan road, as well as the old NEC road from Wokha to Merapani, for National Highway status.
Meanwhile, the people and village authorities appreciated the recent restoration and clearing works along the Wokha-Bokajan road, which had remained largely inaccessible to vehicles due to its deteriorated condition.
According to village chairmen, the road had remained in poor condition for a long period, severely affecting transportation and movement. Following an initiative by Y. Mhonbemo Humtsoe, MLA, three JCBs were deployed for over a month along the approximately 40–45 km stretch from Wokha to Hanku village for clearing and road-dressing works.
With the completion of the works, the road has become accessible to vehicles, easing transportation for residents, particularly farmers dependent on the route to transport goods and agricultural produce.
The village representatives expressed appreciation for the restoration efforts, saying the improved road had provided much-needed relief to communities along the Wokha–Bokajan route.