Deputy Commissioner Kohima, B. Henok Buchem, NCS, has directed the concerned departments and agencies to undertake immediate restoration of dilapidated road stretches in and around Kohima town and complete the works within the timelines agreed upon during a review meeting held at his office chamber in Kohima on October 8, 2026.

The meeting reviewed the condition of key road stretches, particularly from Phizo Hill Junction to Keyake (BSF Camp), NH-150 from DBS Junction, Ziekezou to Keyake (BSF Camp), and the road from DBS Junction, Ziekezou to Medical College Junction, Phrieba. The deteriorating condition of these roads, including heavily sinking sections, has caused concern over road safety, motorability and the inconvenience faced by commuters and local residents.

During the deliberations, the Urban Development Department informed that restoration of the dilapidated sections along the DBS Junction, Ziekezou–Medical College Junction, Phrieba stretch and the Phizo Hill Junction–Keyake (BSF Camp) stretch would be completed by November 2026. The department was also directed to take immediate measures in heavily sinking areas to make the roads safe and motorable, while preparing a long-term plan for permanent road stabilisation and maintenance.

Regarding NH-150 from DBS Junction, Ziekezou to Keyake (BSF Camp), NPWD (National Highways) informed the meeting that the proposal for stabilisation of the sinking zone between chainage Km 6.200 and Km 6.650 had been approved by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH). However, commencement of the stabilisation work would depend on the sanctioning of funds by the Ministry. The department further stated that road maintenance work was in progress and that the stretch was expected to be motorable by the end of October 2026.

The meeting also reviewed the restoration of the Keyake (BSF Camp) Junction, where the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) was directed to complete the restoration work and make the road motorable by the second week of November 2026. With regard to the sinking zone along NH-2 at Phesama, NHIDCL was directed to ensure that the road was motorable for heavy motor vehicles (HMVs) by the same deadline.

NPWD (Roads and Bridges), meanwhile, informed the meeting that the Kezoma–Kidima–Pudunamei road was motorable.

Representatives of the Kohima Village Youth Organisation, P Khel Youth Organisation and D Khel Youth Organisation expressed strong concern over the large volume of heavy motor vehicles plying on village roads, stating that the movement of such vehicles had accelerated the deterioration of existing roads and caused considerable inconvenience and hardship to villagers.

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The youth organisations called for immediate restoration of the affected road stretches and urged the concerned departments and agencies to regulate heavy motor vehicle traffic, particularly by avoiding village roads and confining such movement to National Highways wherever feasible.

The Senior Superintendent of Police, Kohima, Krodi Rhetso, IPS also observed that the movement of HMVs through village roads could be avoided once the sinking zones at Phesama along NH-2 and the Phizo Hill Junction–Keyake (BSF Camp) stretch were restored. He drew the attention of the concerned departments to the need for expediting the restoration works to facilitate the regulation of heavy vehicle movement.

Expressing dissatisfaction over the persistent dilapidated condition of the road stretches and the response of the concerned departments in addressing the issues, DC Buchem empathised with the local residents and acknowledged the hardships faced by villagers. He directed all concerned departments and agencies to initiate restoration works without further delay and complete them within the timelines agreed upon during the meeting.

The Deputy Commissioner further directed all Heads of District Offices to attend district-level meetings in person without fail whenever notified, noting with concern the absence of the concerned Heads of Offices at the meeting.

All concerned departments and agencies have been directed to submit a work status report to the Office of the Deputy Commissioner, Kohima, on or before October 16, 2026.

The meeting was attended by the Senior Superintendent of Police, Kohima; officials of the District Administration, District Land Revenue, Kohima Traffic Police, NPWD (National Highways), NPWD (Roads and Bridges), Urban Development Department and NHIDCL; representatives of the Kohima Village Youth Organisation, P Khel Youth Organisation and D Khel Youth Organisation; and the contractors concerned.