March 11, Kohima: A key discussion on road connectivity in Nagaland took place in the ongoing state assembly on Tuesday.
During the question hour, MLA Achumbemo Kikon raised queries on proposals for upgrading the Wokha-Bokajan and Aghunato-Shamator roads.
Mr. Kikon highlighted the poor condition of the Wokha-Bokajan road, calling it a lifeline for residents of Wokha and neighboring districts traveling to Dimapur and Kohima. He said the road, built in the early 1990s by the Border Roads Organisation, has deteriorated after being handed over to the state's Roads and Bridges department.
The MLA also cited repeated representations from the Lotha Hoho requesting that the road be returned to the BRO for proper maintenance, particularly due to the collapse of a major bridge along the route.
Responding to the concern, Roads and Bridges Minister G. Kaito Aye acknowledged funding constraints and confirmed that part of the road is still under BRO, including a 60-meter bridge project proposed by the agency.
He said the government will review the issue and may place it before the State Planning Board to explore viable funding sources, noting the road’s importance as a regional connectivity route.
On the Aghunato-Shamator road, Mr. Kikon said improving the route could shorten travel to the state capital by nearly 40 kilometers, greatly benefiting commuters and medical patients from remote areas.
Mr. Aye informed the House that out of the 69-kilometer stretch, about 28 kilometers are currently under construction under PMGSY, with completion targeted by 2026. He added that the route is also part of the proposed national highway from Showuba to Pangsha.
The Minister said, meetings have been held with deputy commissioners and civil society and tribal groups to secure no-objection certificates from landowners, as required by the Centre to develop the road.
