As Kohima gears up to host the 25th edition of the Hornbill Festival one of the major concerns has been the heavy traffic that has played spoilsport for many festival goers over the years. Taking into account the lack of alternative routes to the festival venue the authorities have taken into consideration several issues and have come up with several guide lines in order to ensure that all festival goers have a pleasant experience without having to go through the ordeal of spending hours to reach the Hornbill Festival Venue.
However, the success of the efforts being put in by the authorities is solely dependent on the co-operation and compliance by the general public especially the festival goers. Therefore, the Superintendent of Police, Kohima has requested all to comply with the guidelines provided so as to ensure that everyone visiting the hornbill festival goes back home with fond memories and pleasant experiences.
The Transport Department, Government of Nagaland will be providing City Bus Shuttle service to promote ease of travel to and from the Hornbill Festival Venue Naga Heritage Village, Kisama starting from 1st to 10th December 2024 from three locations: ISBT Kohima to Kisama, NST Station Kohima to Kisama and PR Hill Junction, Kohima to Kisama for which the fares would be Rs 80, Rs 70 and Rs 50 respectively. These daily services will be available from 8 am daily. Return bus service will also be available from Kisama to Kohima from 10 am till 9 pm. Daily free bus shuttle service will also be provided from the parking area at Kigwema Public Ground to the festival venue at Kisama and from the venue to the parking area.
Further to ensure smooth vehicular traffic at Naga Heritage Village, Kisama for the 25th Hornbill Festival 2024, the office of the Superintendent of Police, Kohima has issued the following traffic advisory for compliance by all concerned.
1.No heavy vehicles shall be allowed to enter Kohima jurisdiction from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM from 1st to 10th December 2024. All heavy vehicles shall be stopped at the two locations – Peducha and Khuzama inter-state check gate.
2.Only vehicles with valid car passes issued by PHQ shall be allowed entry to Kisama heritage village from the National Highway (Gate No. l).
3.Exit for vehicles parked at/ near Gate No.2 from Kisama Heritage village shall be:
i .Via Imagiland for Southern/Manipur bound vehicles.
ii .Via Rhododendron resort – NH for Kohima bound vehicles for vehicles with car passes.
iii. Vehicles of Event Managers / Vendors parked at Amphitheatre Heritage shall be allowed movement through Gate -2 before 09:00 AM and after 04:00 PM. However, during this time period, their vehicles will exit through Via Rhododendron resort – NH for Kohima
4.Vehicles with car passes shall be parked at the Parking Area Kisama (opposite Gate No. 2)
5.All vehicles without car pass shall park their vehicles at Kigwema public ground.
6.Free shuttle bus service will be provided from the parking area (Kigwema public ground) to the venue (Kisama) and also from Kisama venue to Kigwema public ground (Parking area).
7.Alternate route for vehicles coming from Dimapur/ Chumoukedima to the Hornbill Festival Kisama will be via Old KMC check gate – Jotsoma – Nagaland College of Music and Fine Arts – Forest colony – BSNL exchange – Cathedral – Aradura Inn – Phesama – Kisama. Passenger vehicles are advised to take this route to avoid traffic congestions. Direction boards at appropriate locations will be installed to guide travelers.
8.Vehicle owners are advised to keep their contact numbers pasted on the windshield of their vehicles during parking at Kigwema Public Ground and other places.
9.Vehicles parked on the NH within ROW between Phesama check gate and venue (Kisama) shall be towed without further warning as per the provision of section 127 MV Act. Vehicle owners shall be responsible for all towing costs and shall also be penalized u/s 201 MV Act (Rs 500).
10.Alightment point is scheduled around 350 mtrs from Gate-1 Kisama towards Kigwema village. ANTA vehicles/ privates may drop the passenger at this point and passengers may proceed to Kisama venue by foot.
11.Pick-up point for ANTA vehicles/taxis will be at Kigwema public ground where travellers can board ANTA vehicles for their destination to town.
12.Any individual/department intending to operate drone during the festival at the venue are advised to obtain prior permission from the Police Headquarters. Offenders will be prosecuted as per law. (DIPR)