Kohima: Twelve villages along the Wokha-Bokajan road are celebrating the Nagaland State Cabinet decision to upgrade the route to a National Highway. Residents of Longsa, Ekoktchu, Pongidong, Tsungza, Khumtsu, Meriyan, L Yanthung, Totsu, Hanku, Phiro, Shaki, and Sankiton praised the move. They credit Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio and Roads and Bridges Minister G Kaito Aye for the long-awaited project.
This road is a vital link to the foothills and Dimapur. The upgrade promises to slash travel times and boost trade for the Lotha community and neighboring districts. Better roads mean more cash for farmers. Agriculture is the primary source of income here. "Improved connectivity would bring developmental and economic benefits to the region, particularly the farming community, as agriculture remained the primary source of livelihood for many people in the area," the villagers stated.
Local leaders and four Lotha legislators spent months lobbying the Centre. They pushed to get both the Wokha-Bokajan and Wokha-Merapani NEC roads designated as National Highways. Work is already moving forward on the ground. MLA Y Mhonbemo Humtsoe recently spearheaded a major restoration effort. Crews used three JCBs for over a month to clear and dress the 40 to 45 kilometer stretch from Wokha to Hanku. The road was impassable for years. Now, vehicles can move freely once again. Residents hope the official highway status will lock in these gains and drive lasting regional development.
Updated at 31st August 2026 at 9:47am
While the state cabinet has given the green light, village authorities are now pushing the Centre to officially sign off on the National Highway status. This includes a formal request to include both the Wokha-Bokajan route and the old NEC road linking Wokha to Merapani. The formal bid involves ongoing meetings between the four local legislators and the Union Minister to secure final approval for the projects.
Beyond just moving goods, residents expect the road improvements to provide critical market access that has been blocked by years of neglect. The recent clearing work was a relief measure for village chairmen who had reported that the route was essentially cut off from the local economy for an extended period.
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