Kohima, September 7 (MExN): Considering the plight of commuters and transporters on NH-39 due to heavy landslides, a local trade organization in Kohima today sought attention to the fact that prices of essential commodities and transportation are increasing fast due to exigencies and condition of the highway.
In a letter addressed to the deputy commissioner of Kohima, the Kohima Chamber of Commerce & Industries (KCCI) said restoring NH-39 may take long; Jotsoma by-pass road is also deteriorating fast and the Pedu NH 39-Chiese NH 61 roads also need attention at the earliest. The KCCI said prices of essential commodities are fast-rising due to increasing transportation costs and in the case of perishable goods, due to delayed delivery. The cost of hiring a truck to Dimapur and back has increased from Rs. 6000 to Rs. 10,000. Further, the cost of vegetables that were available for Rs. 10 ‘no longer exists’ but for a higher price.
The KCCI visited landslide-hit areas, Jotsoma by-pass road and Pedu NH39-Chiese NH 61 roads. “…the KCCI lay these suggestions till the restoration of NH-39 – that all vehicles going down to Dimapur be allowed to pass through the by-pass-Jotsoma road, that only light vehicles be allowed to approach towards Kohima through the by-pass-Jotsoma road and all good carriers and heavy vehicles be diverted to Kohima via Pedu NH39-Chiese NH 61 road,” the letter said.
The KCCI also noted the efforts traffic personnel are putting in to streamline traffic on NH 39 and the efforts being put in by the district administration and the Nagaland government. “It is our aim to assist the agencies in every possible way and at the same time safeguard the rights of the consumers and the business community.”
