Kohima youth groups ban heavy trucks on four city roads

Kohima: The Pfuchatsumia Youth Organisation and Dapfhütsumia Youth Organisation shut down four local roads to heavy truck traffic on Thursday. The ban applies to DBS Road, the P. Khel to Seikhazu Junction route, the Rheichalie Road in D. Khel, and the stretch between Khuya near the Medical College and the BSF Camp on Keyake Road. Heavy vehicles are now barred from these paths.

The organizations issued the order following the closure of Phesama road. This closure pushed a massive wave of inter-district and Manipur-bound freight trucks onto residential thoroughfares. PYO President Thejanguzo Pienyü and DYO President Ruokuoneitso Kire say these local roads lack the design to handle heavy commercial loads. "These roads are not designed for heavy commercial traffic. Their continued use is causing rapid deterioration and posing serious risks to public safety," the leaders said in a joint release.

All heavy vehicle operators must now use National Highway-150. This is the only permitted route. Authorities plan to penalize any drivers who ignore the directive. The youth groups claim the move is necessary to fix road conditions and keep local neighborhoods safe.