Kohima: The Nagaland government has directed the immediate removal of all unauthorised structures within the Right of Way (RoW) of National Highways across the state, in compliance with Supreme Court orders aimed at improving highway safety.
In a notification, the Department of Works and Housing (Works Branch) stated that the construction or operation of any new dhaba, eatery or commercial structure within the RoW of any National Highway is prohibited with immediate effect.
The directive follows the Supreme Court’s orders dated April 13 and July 13, 2026, in Suo Motu Writ Petition (Civil) No. 9 of 2025 relating to the Phalodi accident vs National Highways Authority of India and Others.
The department has directed all Deputy Commissioners to strictly enforce the demolition and removal of both new and existing unauthorised structures located within the Right of Way of National Highways, in accordance with the apex court’s directions.
The notification stated that the enforcement process must be carried out in accordance with the provisions of the Control of National Highways (Land and Traffic) Act (CNH Act) and the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) issued on August 7, 2025.
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