National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd. (NHIDCL) officials led by its managing director for Nagaland, Mahmood Ahmed, inspected the ongoing works along NH-29 (Dimapur-Kohima four-lane project) on Saturday along with DC Chümoukedima, Abhinav Shivam, officials from PWD (NH), and others.
After the inspection, the team proceeded to Kohima to attend a high-level meeting with the deputy chief minister TR Zeliang and other officials. Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Zeliang said he had a brief meeting with the NHIDCL managing director and ED (P) RO Kohima at his official residence on Saturday. Zeliang said that they deliberated and shared concerns over a wide range of subjects concerning road development in the State.
Zeliang expressed the hope that works would progress in the right direction with better coordination and support between the NH(NPWD) and NHIDCL. “We are confident that many works which have been under progress for years will be completed soon with quality,” Zeliang said.
Addressing the media, executive director (P), RO, Kohima, NHIDCL, Amarendra Narayan Singh, while responding to queries regarding compliance with All India Road Congress (IRC) Act in the construction process, assured that if the Act had not been followed, then it would be implemented.
Asked about the delay in adhering to the IRC Act, Singh said that an expert committee would inspect and based on their report, a detailed project report (DPR) would be proposed for slope protection.
Regarding challenges faced by NHIDCL, Singh highlighted the need for additional land. He informed that DPR consultant team would assess the requirements for slope protection. “A land acquisition plan will be drafted, and based on this plan, the additional land will be determined,” he said.
It may be mentioned that dy.CM who also hold National Highways portfolio, on July 12 last informed that the state government was willing to provide extra land for enhanced safety. Zeliang had said that NHIDCL should present the Right of Way (RoW) issued by the deputy commissioner.
Regarding the display of names of contractors and firms on signboards along the road, Singh confirmed that instructions had been received and would be carried out. Asked about the cost of packages 1 and 2, Singh stated it was approximately Rs. 600 crore.
Singh also clarified that two lanes adjacent to the mountains had not been opened due to ongoing landslides along the road. He said that NHIDCL was awaiting stabilization of the area before proceeding.