People and village authorities of 12 villages along the Wokha–Bokajan road have welcomed the State Cabinet’s decision to take up the important route as a National Highway, expressing gratitude to the Cabinet, particularly Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio and Minister for Roads and Bridges G Kaito Aye, for the move.
The villages include Longsa, Ekoktchu, Pongidong, Tsungza, Khumtsu, Meriyan, L. Yanthung, Totsu, Hanku, Phiro, Shaki and Sankiton.
The villagers described the Wokha–Bokajan road as a vital lifeline for communities along the route, providing an important link to the foothill areas and Dimapur. They said its proposed upgrade as a National Highway would benefit not only the Lotha community but also people from neighbouring districts by providing a shorter and more convenient route.
They further said improved connectivity through the proposed National Highway would bring significant developmental and economic benefits to the region, particularly to the farming community, as agriculture remains the primary source of livelihood for many people in the area.
Better road connectivity, they said, would enable farmers to transport their agricultural produce more easily and provide them with improved access to markets.
The villagers also acknowledged the efforts of the four Lotha legislators in pursuing the matter with the Centre and taking it forward through meetings with the Union Minister to seek approval for the declaration of the Wokha–Bokajan road, as well as the oldest NEC road from Wokha to Merapani, as National Highways.
Meanwhile, the people and village authorities also applauded the recent restoration and clearing works carried out along the Wokha–Bokajan road, which had remained largely inaccessible to vehicles due to its deteriorated condition.
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According to the village chairmen, the road had remained in poor condition for a long time, causing difficulties in transportation and restricting the movement of vehicles. Following an initiative by MLA Y. Mhonbemo Humtsoe, three JCBs were deployed along the approximately 40–45 km stretch from Wokha to Hanku Village for over a month to carry out clearing and road dressing works.
With the completion of the works, the villagers said the road has now become accessible to vehicles, making transportation and movement easier for people living along the Wokha–Bokajan road.
The village representatives appreciated the efforts taken to restore the road and said the improvement had brought much-needed relief to residents, particularly those dependent on the route for the transportation of goods and agricultural produce.
The villagers expressed hope that the proposed National Highway and continued improvement of the road would further strengthen connectivity, promote economic activities and contribute to the overall development of the region.
