The Southern Angami Youth Organisation (SAYO) has agreed to the request for temporary suspension of restriction on movement of heavy motor vehicles (HMV) beyond three axles plying in Kohima-Mao section of NH-2 for 120 hours (five days) from 6 p.m. of October 23 to allow passage of stranded HMVs.
On the conditions that the state government notified the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) to expedite the two-lane national highway expansion already sanctioned for ensuring smoother passage for all vehicles, and restrict vehicles with more than three axles from plying on NH-2 till the two-lane road upgradation was complete.
Further, considering the fact that 90% of the vehicles plying on NH-2 were Manipur bound and the intermediate road was unsafe for vehicles above three axles, the SAYO requested the state government to explore collaborating with Manipur government in pursuing the upgradation of the highway in the larger interest of both states concerned.
Clarifying on the restrictions imposed on HMVs beyond three axles, the organisation explained that it was done with the motive of ensuring uninterrupted and safe supply of essential commodities, as also for safe commute of travelers.
SAYO’s announcement followed a request made by Deputy Commissioner Kohima (DC) Kumar Ramnikant during a meeting convened by him at his office chamber in Kohima on Wednesday to discuss the restriction imposed on the movement of HMVs beyond three axles in the Kohima-Mao stretch of NH-2.
Chairing the meeting, which was attended by Revenue Officer Kohima, Southern Angami Public Organisation and SAYO leaders, the DC highlighted the socio-economic importance of NH-2 that not only served Nagaland, but also the neighbouring Manipur and beyond.
The meeting minutes said that the DC pointed out that most essential commodities were transported via HMVs but, with the restrictions imposed, many HMVs beyond three axles were stranded in the Kohima-Dimapur four-lane stretch of NH-29, adversely affecting the traffic and causing inconvenience to travelers.
To address these concerns, he requested the SAYO in the presence of SAPO to consider lifting the vehicular movement restriction imposed on HMVs beyond three axles.