Correspondent
KOHIMA, SEP 10 (NPN): Regional Transport Office (RTO) Kohima generated approximately Rs 176.66 crore in revenue during the 2025-26 financial year, but continues to face inadequate infrastructure, equipment, funding and manpower while handling transport services and road safety activities in the district.
Speaking to Nagaland Post, regional transport officer Roben Mesen said said around 9,500 vehicles had been registered from January to September 2026 across different categories. Vehicle owners are charged a 6% tax and 0.5% cess during registration, he said.
He said the department was conducting regular road safety awareness programmes, with much of the awareness activity taking place during daily driving tests. The department distributes awareness pamphlets, conducts pollution testing and driving tests, and also tests government drivers recruited by various departments.
Mesen said vehicle testing was being carried out on public roads due to a lack of space and adequate facilities.
On road safety management, he said the deputy commissioner serves as the head and chairman of the district road safety committee, which oversees road safety activities at the district level. While activities are undertaken based on government-allocated funds, Mesen said the funds were inadequate to meet requirements. He also pointed to a shortage of clerical staff, which he said was affecting the functioning of the department.
On taxi registration, Mesen said AITP and regional taxi registrations were currently on hold due to issues related to installation of the Vehicle Location Tracking System (VLTS). He said the introduction of VLTS would be the first of its kind in Nagaland. Registration of local taxis, meanwhile, is awaiting a new transport policy from the government.
Appealing to motorists and other road users, Mesen urged them to follow traffic rules, respect fellow road users and exercise caution while driving.
He noted that roads in Nagaland were relatively narrow and urged vehicle owners to park properly.
He also advised applicants for driving licences to use the Parivahan portal and submit their details online to avoid last-minute rushes at the RTO office.
Mesen expressed hope that completion of new RTO office near the Directorate of Social Welfare would provide relief to the public in Kohima district.
Meanwhile, the existing RTO office continues to face basic infrastructure constraints. The office reportedly has only one toilet for the entire establishment and lacks a conference hall, adequate parking and proper vehicle-testing facilities.
It was also observed that only one pollution-testing device was available for the entire Kohima district. Vehicle fitness testing is being carried out manually in the absence of the required equipment.
The shortage of infrastructure and equipment, coupled with inadequate funding and manpower, remains a challenge for the department as it continues to provide transport-related services and undertake road safety initiatives in the district.