Dimapur, June 18: With traffic congestion emerging as a growing challenge in Nagaland’s commercial capital, the Naga Council Dimapur (NCD) has urged the district administration and state government to implement a series of immediate and long-term measures, including the construction of flyovers and decongestion of the city’s busy New Market area.

In a representation submitted to the Deputy Commissioner of Dimapur on Wednesday, the council said increasing population pressure and limited road infrastructure have severely strained traffic movement across the city.

Identifying New Market as one of Dimapur’s biggest bottlenecks, the NCD said footpaths and parking spaces have been encroached upon by food stalls, carts and roadside vendors, restricting both pedestrian and vehicular movement. It called for streamlining such activities to restore order and improve traffic flow.

As a long-term solution, the council appealed to the state government to construct additional flyovers in and around key traffic corridors, arguing that Dimapur’s status as Nagaland’s commercial hub demands infrastructure capable of handling rising commuter and vehicle volumes.

The NCD also proposed several short-term interventions, including staggered school timings, mandatory in-campus drop-and-pick-up arrangements, alternative parking facilities for shop owners, removal of abandoned vehicles and roadside debris, and stricter enforcement against roadside encroachments.

Among its other recommendations were towing of parked army vehicles along the Dhobinalla-Signal Angami stretch, extending business hours until 9 pm under police protection, and making adequate parking facilities mandatory for future commercial buildings.

The council said the measures would not only ease chronic traffic congestion but also help preserve Dimapur’s position as a key trading and shopping destination in the state.

Copies of the representation have been forwarded to elected representatives, Dimapur Municipal Council officials, the Commissioner of Police, civil society organisations and tribal bodies for consideration and necessary action.