Explained

India’s highway numbers follow a logic — even and odd digits, main and branch roads. Here’s how Nagaland’s highways fit into that national grid.

India’s National Highways form a vast network that connects the length and breadth of the country. However, the numbers on each highway aren’t random.

In Nagaland, where roads are lifelines across hilly terrain, understanding these numbers helps explain not only which direction a highway travels, but also how it connects to the national grid.

Here’s a breakdown of what highway numbers like NH-2, NH-29, NH-702 and others actually mean — and how they apply to roads in Nagaland.

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) follows a clear system for numbering:
· Even-numbered highways run North–South, and their numbers increase from East to West.
(e.g., NH-2 is in the East, NH-68 in the West)

· Odd-numbered highways run East–West, and their numbers increase from North to South.
(e.g., NH-8 is in the North, NH-87 in the South)

Three-digit numbers indicate secondary or branch highways derived from a main two-digit route.

Letters like A, B, C, D show further spurs or alternate alignments of a highway.

Applying the logic in Nagaland
Let’s look at what these numbers tell us about key highways in Nagaland:

NH-2
Type: Main highway
Direction: North–South
Route: Enters Nagaland at Mokokchung (North) ’ Wokha (Central) ’ Kohima (South) ’ Exits to Manipur
Meaning: The number ‘2’ shows it’s an early even-numbered highway, located in India’s eastern region.

NH-29
Type: Main highway (two-digit)
Direction: East–West
Route: Dimapur (West) ’ Chümoukedima ’ Kohima ’ Towards Imphal
Meaning: The odd number ‘29’ means it runs East–West, and is located further south than lower odd numbers like NH-15 or NH-17.

NH-202
Type: Secondary highway (three-digit)
Direction: East–West
Route: Mokokchung (North) ’ Tuensang ’ Noklak ’ Ends near Jessami (Manipur border)
Meaning: ‘202’ is a branch of NH-2 (hence the ‘2’ in the middle). It runs East–West and serves interior districts.

NH-129A
Type: Branch of NH-29
Direction: East to West
Route: Dimapur ’ via Niuland and Dhansiripar ’ into Assam
Number logic: The “1” before 29 indicates a branch, “A” shows it’s the first spur of NH-29. Future spurs would be NH-129B, NH-129C, and so on.

The NH-702 Series:
Connecting Nagaland’s Interiors
These are all branch highways derived from NH-2, primarily helping east–west connectivity in Nagaland.

NH-702
Type: Branch highway
Direction: West to East
Districts: Mokokchung (North-Central) ’ Longleng (East) ’ Tuensang (Far East)
Number logic: The “702” indicates this is a spur of NH-2 (“02” at the end), and the “7” shows it’s a branch route.

NH-702B
Type: Sub-branch of NH-702
Direction: North to Southwest
Districts: Mon district — connects Tizit (North) ’ Naginimora (Southwest Mon) ’ enters Assam near Sonari
Number logic: “B” shows this is a sub-route of NH-702, serving specific regional needs.

NH-702D
Type: Sub-branch of NH-702
Direction: West to East
Districts: Mangkolemba (West Mokokchung)’ Chuchuyimlang (Central Mokokchung)’Shamator (East)’ Ends in Tuensang district
Alternate alignment: Also connects to Tuli (Nagaland) ’ Mariani (Assam) — key for interstate trade.
Number logic: The “D” shows it is the fourth extension of NH-702.

MT