NFHRCC resents Rio’s remarks on Foothills Road

Nagaland Foothills Road Coordination Committee (NFHRCC) has expressed strong resentment over remarks made by chief minister Neiphiu Rio on the floor of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly regarding the Foothills Road project.
In a press release, the committee objected to RIO’s statement, “We cannot make roads in the sky,” made during a discussion in the Assembly. NFHRCC said the remark was unfortunate in view of the ongoing efforts and public support behind the Nagaland Foothills Road Project.
According to the committee, 17 work orders were issued under the Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI) scheme to various firms in December 2024 after signing agreements with the PWD (Roads & Bridges). Of these, they said two firms– M/s JK Construction and M/s Chabou & Co.– were served show-cause notices on February 4, 2026. Following a site inspection by minister for Roads & Bridges Kaito Aye on February 7, the issue was reportedly attributed to a communication gap and the firms were given time until March 31, 2026 to complete the work.
However, the committee said concerns had surfaced over alleged substandard work in the Baghty division. It expressed disappointment that both the concerned minister and the MLA who recommended the firms had remained silent on the matter, while urging the government to address the delay and quality issues.
NFHRCC also reminded that the minister had earlier assured the public that the project would be completed by 2027 under the SASCI scheme and urged the government to issue work orders for the second phase of the project.
Highlighting the significance of the project, the committee said landowners from Khelma to Tizit, covering about 395.9 km, had voluntarily donated land for the two-lane road without compensation. It said the gesture was historic and urged the government not to attribute demands for compensation to landowners.
The committee maintained that the immediate priority was completion of the ongoing two-lane Foothills Road under SASCI, rather than discussions on a proposed four-lane road.
Describing the project as a “historic survival road,” the committee called on the public to support the initiative aimed at improving connectivity and socio-economic development in Nagaland’s foothill areas.
(Full text on p-6)