From pathways to roadways: Issues and challenges of road transport in Nagaland

Modern transport was introduced in the Naga Hills by the British, initially to conquer the Hills, and then, the same was expanded to retain the conquered Hills. The colonial roads, however, even at the beginning of the 20th century were still largely of "bridle paths." Significant capacity expansion in roads came only post-statehood. However, the state of transport in Nagaland, even today, is still characterized by myriad issues and challenges. Against this backdrop, and in the light of a stagnant, regionally skewed underdeveloped economy of the province, it is imperative to invest in transport infrastructure and services. A survey of literature on "transport and development" shows that investment in transport in an economy like that of Nagaland brings about huge returns.