By Akangjungla
If there is one universal truth in Nagaland, it is this: the roads are a disaster. From bustling urban centers to the remotest villages, the story remains unchanged, crumbling, pothole-ridden stretches that test the patience of every commuter. While the rest of the world invests in modern infrastructure to drive progress, Nagaland remains stuck in a cycle of temporary fixes, with its people forced to become amateur road repairers out of sheer necessity.
The onset of monsoon has once again exposed the fragility of Nagaland’s roads, particularly the infamous Dhobinala–Signal–Thahekhu stretch in Dimapur. What was already a precarious commute has now turned into a daily obstacle course, with gaping potholes forcing vehicles into single-file traffic, causing endless jams and frayed tempers. This is not a new problem; civil society groups, media campaigns and public outcry have highlighted it for years. Yet, the response has been little more than patchwork repairs that vanish with the next downpour.
Roads are the lifeline of any economy, enabling trade, mobility, and social connectivity. Governments worldwide prioritize their maintenance as a fundamental duty. But in Nagaland, roads seem to exist in a perpetual state of decay. The grim joke, “The potholes are not on the road; the road is on the potholes” has become a bitter reality. Beyond the sarcasm, however, lies an urgent need for accountability and long-term solutions.
The state’s rugged terrain, prone to landslides and flooding, certainly complicates road construction. But these challenges are not unique to Nagaland, other hilly regions have managed to build durable roads with proper planning, drainage systems, and quality materials. The real issue lies in execution. Year after year, contracts are awarded, funds are allocated, and yet the results remain shockingly substandard. The cycle of shoddy work at inflated costs must end.
What is missing is not just technical expertise but political will. Sustainable road construction requires more than just cement and gravel, it demands transparency, competent oversight, and a genuine commitment to public welfare. If the authorities continue to treat road infrastructure as an afterthought, the economic and social costs will only multiply.
The people of Nagaland have waited long enough. They deserve roads that last more than a single monsoon. It is time for those in power to move beyond excuses and deliver what should have been a basic right, a functional, reliable road network. Until then, the state’s progress will remain stuck in the mud, quite literally.
Comments can be sent to akangjungla@gmail.com
