DIMAPUR: Deputy Commissioner Kohima, B. Henok Buchem, has directed concerned departments and agencies to undertake immediate restoration of dilapidated road stretches in and around Kohima town and complete the works within the timelines agreed upon during a review meeting held at his office chamber on October 8, 2026.
According to DIPR report, the meeting reviewed the condition of key stretches, particularly Phizo Hill Junction-Keyake (BSF Camp), NH 150 from DBS Junction, Ziekezou-Keyake (BSF Camp), and DBS Junction, Ziekezou-Medical College Junction, Phrieba.
The deteriorating condition of these roads, including heavily sinking sections, has raised concerns over safety, motorability and inconvenience faced by commuters and residents.
The Urban Development Department informed that restoration of the DBS Junction, Ziekezou-Medical College Junction, Phrieba and Phizo Hill Junction-Keyake (BSF Camp) stretches would be completed by November 2026. Immediate measures were also directed in sinking areas to make roads safe and motorable, alongside preparation of a long term plan for stabilisation and maintenance.
On NH 150 (DBS Junction, Ziekezou–Keyake), NPWD (National Highways) informed that the proposal for stabilisation of the sinking zone between Km 6.200 and Km 6.650 had been approved by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), though commencement would depend on sanctioning of funds. Maintenance work was in progress, with the stretch expected to be motorable by end of October 2026.
The NHIDCL was directed to complete restoration at Keyake (BSF Camp) Junction and make the road motorable by the second week of November 2026.
It was also tasked to ensure that the sinking zone along NH 2 at Phesama was motorable for heavy motor vehicles (HMVs) by the same deadline. NPWD (Roads & Bridges) meanwhile informed that the Kezoma–Kidima–Pudunamei road was motorable.
Representatives of the Kohima Village Youth Organisation, P Khel Youth Organisation and D Khel Youth Organisation expressed concern over the large volume of HMVs plying on village roads, which they said had accelerated deterioration and caused hardship to villagers.
They urged immediate restoration and regulation of heavy vehicle traffic, confining movement to National Highways wherever feasible.
Senior Superintendent of Police Kohima, Krodi Rhetso, observed that HMV movement through village roads could be avoided once sinking zones at Phesama (NH 2) and Phizo Hill Junction–Keyake were restored. He urged expediting works to facilitate regulation of heavy vehicles.
Expressing dissatisfaction over the persistent dilapidated condition of roads and departmental response, DC Buchem empathised with residents and directed all departments to initiate restoration without delay and complete works within agreed timelines.
He further directed all Heads of District Offices to attend district level meetings in person, noting with concern the absence of several officials.
All departments and agencies were instructed to submit a work status report to the DC’s office on or before October 16, 2026.
Sunday, October 11, 2026