The Office of the Southern Angami Youth Organisation (SAYO) has given the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited and others concerned 15 days ultimatum to initiate upgradation work on NH-2 Kohima-Mao Road to a full-fledged two-lane road, replacing or renovating aging bridges and culverts.
In a representation to the Deputy Chief Minister of Nagaland, Planning and Transformation, National Highways, Nagaland, the Organisation stated that if the authorities fail to act within the stipulated period, it will recourse to take severe measures such as holding the MoRTH, the NHIDCL, the Fortune Company, the contractor and the sub-contractors responsible and liable for the losses incurred to our people due to their negligence. “Furthermore, we shall even impose ban of more than 3-axle wheelers from plying on NH-2 until necessary upgrades are completed”, the SAYO added.
Highlighting the deplorable condition of the vital national highway that was constructed during pre-independence times, the Organisation said that the deteriorated road surfaces, aging bridges and culverts on the verge of collapse, and inadequate infrastructure pose significant risks to commuters’ safety. “Despite its strategic importance, connecting Southern Angamis, neighboring districts of Nagaland and Manipur, this critical artery remains neglected,” the SAYO regretted.
It also pointed that the poor road condition has severely hampered students, office goers, farmers and ambulance services, including medical patients and pregnant women who often fail to reach hospitals on time, putting their lives at risk.
Further, the SAYO noted the “lack of accountability and responsibility from the Ministry of MoRTH and the office of the NHIDCL”. It also reminded that the Deputy Chief Minister had informed at in the Nagaland Legislative Assembly that a Fact-Finding Technical Team was formed on June 15, 2024 and have assured that basing on the reports of FFT the government will respond. “However, the FFT could not submit their reports/findings to the concerned authority till today and therefore, without any observation and findings the FFT served no purpose,” it said.