In the run-up to the annual Hornbill Festival, Deputy Commissioner(DC) Chümoukedima Abhinav Shivam inspected the Dimapur by-pass via Khatkathi on the 4-lane be-tween Dimapur- Kohima NH-29 (packages 1 and 2)on November 15 along with officials of National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL).
Informing this to media at a press conference at his office on Friday, the DC said the inspection was carried out to check the road condition and ensure safety of travellers flocking in large numbers to the Hornbill Festival.
He expressed the hope that the annual festival will witness a huge footfall of tourists from across the country and even abroad.
Shivam said that in his interaction with NHIDCL officials, he had stressed on road clearance and pro-vision for safe passage for travellers.
He also raised concern over landslides beyond the Pagala Pahar area with the NHIDCLofficials and emphasised prompt and effective communication with the corporation to address the issue.
Shivam also expressed concern over the overall slow progress of the project, and asked NHIDCL to submit a detailed report to the commissioner & secretary, outlining the current state of the project.
He also expressed concern regarding the work especially the tragic July 4 incident and adding that so far, no proposal has been received from NHIDCL so far for additional land acquisition to carry out slope cutting.
He reiterated that ensuring safety of travellers and maintaining quality of work were top priorities of the administration. The DC also said NHIDCL officials had assured they would complete the project by March 2024.
It may be pointed out that two-lane road remains closed in the Pagala Pahar area, contrary to NHIDCL’s claim of having completed 99.80% of the work.
Despite several communications and problem-pointing instances, Shivam also reiterated his commitment to work in collaboration with NHIDCL and ensure successful and timely completion of the road project.
He also stressed on prioritising passenger safety and quality of work as critical elements in the ongoing development efforts.