The Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) has expressed deep concern over the repeated blockages and disruptions along the Dimapur–Kohima stretch of National Highway 29, a lifeline road that connects Nagaland’s commercial hub to the state capital. The party has urged authorities to take urgent and lasting measures to restore smooth traffic and ensure that such disruptions do not become a recurring problem. In a statement issued on Monday, NPCC President S. Supongmeren Jamir, who is currently on an official visit to Brazil, said he had spoken directly with R. P. Singh, Executive Director of the National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL). Jamir pressed for immediate steps to ensure the highway’s reopening, highlighting the risks faced by daily commuters, traders, and transporters.
A team of NPCC officials attempted to visit the affected site to oversee the situation and assess progress but was barred from entry due to safety concerns. However, the team managed to hold discussions with NHIDCL officials stationed nearby. Officials informed them that mechanical clearance of landslide debris had already been completed, and the highway was awaiting final safety inspection and clearance from the District Administration before reopening.The vital highway was reopened after the clearance, bringing temporary relief to stranded commuters and businesses. Still, the Congress party emphasized that temporary fixes are not enough for a road that serves as the main artery for goods and passengers moving in and out of Nagaland. The NPCC has welcomed the prompt coordination between NHIDCL and the District Administration but urged both state and central authorities to prioritize long-term solutions. Jamir stressed that frequent disruptions on this route have far-reaching consequences beyond inconvenience. They affect the supply of essential commodities, delay transportation of goods, and pose serious risks to patients, students, and daily wage earners who rely on uninterrupted travel.
“The Dimapur–Kohima highway is not just a road; it is the economic lifeline of our state. Repeated blockages and delays are unacceptable, and we call upon the authorities to adopt a proactive approach rather than responding only when crises occur,” the NPCC said in its statement. The Dimapur–Kohima highway forms a critical part of National Highway 29, which also connects Nagaland to Manipur and Assam, making it essential for regional connectivity. Frequent blockages, often caused by landslides and poor maintenance, have sparked demands from civil society and political parties alike for stronger preventive measures such as slope stabilization, modern drainage systems, and real-time monitoring of vulnerable areas.
