The newly constructed District Transport Office (DTO) Complex at Model Colony, Purana Bazaar, near the ISTT Complex, Dimapur, was formally inaugurated on April 7, 2026, marking a significant milestone in the development of transport-related public infrastructure in the District.
    The formal ribbon-cutting ceremony was carried out by Advisor for Transport & Technical Education, Temjenmenba, who described the completion of the New Office Complex as an important step toward enhancing transport administration and public service delivery.
    Addressing the gathering, he said that with the completion of the new building, the responsibility now lies with the department and its staff to ensure that the facility is effectively utilized for the benefit of the public.
    He noted that the Transport Department is one of the major revenue-generating departments of the state and plays a crucial role in both the economy and public administration. Stressing the importance of public interaction, he said the manner in which officials deal with citizens and clients visiting the office are of great significance.
    He urged the staff to patiently guide the public with the official procedures for processing documents and applications and ensure timely completion of their work.
    Calling for professionalism and patience among department personnel, he said the office must strive to provide efficient, transparent, and citizen-friendly services.
The Advisor also expressed gratitude to the General Manager of NST for generously sharing the plot of land for the construction of the new complex, stating that the arrangement would benefit both departments, increase activities within the compound, and further enhance revenue generation.
    Congratulating the Transport Department under the leadership of the Transport Commissioner, he described the completion of the building as yet another landmark achievement and lauded the contractor for completing the project ahead of schedule.
    Expressing optimism for the future, he said the new office has the potential to emerge as a “centre of excellence” in the days ahead.
    Highlighting Dimapur’s significance as the state’s only metropolitan city and gateway to Nagaland, he said the office is expected to witness heavy public footfall and generate substantial revenue through transport-related services.
    He further stated that the role of the office extends beyond merely issuing driving licences and registration certificates, adding that data generated through the office should be used to innovate and expand the department’s scope in addressing broader transport-related challenges.
    Emphasizing that the Transport Department is the second-highest revenue-generating department in Nagaland, he urged officials to take pride in their contribution and remain motivated to further strengthen departmental performance.
    Referring to the financial challenges faced by the state following the discontinuation of the revenue deficit grant by the 16th Finance Commission, he said the department’s role in bridging the financial gap has become even more important.
    He also called for stronger coordination among sister departments and urged all officials to work collectively to strengthen the department and provide better services to the people. The Advisor concluded by expressing confidence that under the leadership of the District Transport Officer, the department would make far-reaching contributions in revenue generation, traffic management, and significantly reducing road fatalities across the state.
    Speaking on the occasion, Commissioner & Secretary, Transport, Robert Longchari, described the inauguration as a moment of great pride and gratitude, marking not merely the opening of a building but the beginning of a renewed commitment to serve the people with greater efficiency, transparency, and responsibility.
    With this new facility, the department is taking a significant step towards improved service delivery and creating a more accessible and citizen-friendly environment, he stated, adding that the new complex reflects a shared vision of modernization, better infrastructure, and commitment to excellence. He emphasized that infrastructure alone does not define success and called upon all officials to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, accountability, and service.
    Longchari further noted that the Transport Department is the second-highest revenue-earning department in the state after the Taxes Department and underlined its importance not only in public service delivery but also in revenue generation.
    During the technical report presentation, Executive Engineer, NST, Er. Renben Kikon, highlighted that the project was completed at a sanctioned cost of ₹499.86 lakh on a land area of 19,200 square feet (0.44 acres).The project was sanctioned during the 2022–23 financial year with funding support from the State Government under the 5th State Finance Commission.
    The work was awarded to M/S Noel Ayemi, Class-I Contractor, with an original completion target of 36 months. Construction commenced on July 3, 2023, and was physically completed in October 2025, achieving completion within 28 months, ahead of schedule.
    The project comprises a two-storey RCC main building along with supporting facilities including a canteen, pollution testing unit, paved parking yard, boundary wall, sand filtration tank, underground water reservoir with a 30,000-litre capacity, a 63 KVA electrical substation, and a firefighting system.
    The ground floor, with a plinth area of 4,275 square feet, houses the Vahan section for vehicle registration and the Sarathi section for issuance of driving licences, along with a spacious public lobby, inquiry and help desk, rooms for field officers, and separate washroom facilities for visitors.
    The first floor, measuring 3,690 square feet, consists of five rooms for officers and support staff, a conference room, a large record storage hall, and separate washroom facilities for office staff.
    The programme commenced with an invocation and dedicatory prayer by Pastor Hukato Sema of Sumi Baptist Church, Purana Bazaar, Dimapur. A welcome address was delivered by Additional Transport Commissioner, Nagaland, Keneingunuo Clara, while Transport Commissioner, Nagaland, Elias T. Lotha, presented a brief report on the project, outlining its objectives and expected benefits. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by District Transport Officer, Dimapur, Bendangtola Longkumer.
     
    (Tovikali, IA Dimapur)