Dimapur is said to be the business hub of Nagaland. It is said to be gateway to Nagaland. But one of the striking underlying facts is the condition of the roads. Since roads indirectly contribute to the economic growth it is extremely essential that the roads are well laid out and strong. Dimapur is home to several bad roads be it the main town or the villages. Bad road conditions are nothing new to the Dimapurians. Since Dimapur is a developing very fast there is a constant demand for good quality infrastructure, transportation and services.
The responsibilities for road building and maintenance lies with the Central and state government. The administration of the national highway system is vested with the Ministry of State for Surface Transport in India and other state roads are preserved by the state public works departments. As far as the minor roads are concerned they are up kept by the various municipalities, and villages.
The design of the highways is a matter of great importance since only properly designed highways can withstand the pressure created by heavy vehicles. Apart from being narrow they are also highly congested since quite a large part of the State's freight is carried on these roads. Dimapur is home to quite a large rural population. Most of the rural areas in Dimapur do not have access to all weather roads and hence have a tough time during the monsoons.
Traffic is one common problem and is extremely congested during office hours. This is mainly because of industrialization and the sudden rise in vehicle ownership over the last few years. If Dimapur wants to be relaxed with the growing traffic, the government will need to construct around some more flyovers and bridges.
The potholes found on the roads of Dimapur gives a feeling of going for MELA and riding all those roller coaster rides. Sometimes even feels like if I could fly .... and just glide away. The rainy days make the people think twice for going out.......What dress to wear? Which way will be easier??? How will be the road conditions???
In order to improve the conditions of roads many efforts are taken but to no positiveness. It is during this time that roads were built to expand the width of existing roads and to construct drains but failed every time.
Now let's all give a deep thinking and answer ourselves........
Why is our roads so bad?????? Whose fault???? Where is the problem????
Is it poor geometrics??? Is it for insufficient pavement thickness???
Is it the government???? Or is it the public???
DD Sonowal Dimapur
