A high-level meeting chaired by deputy chief minister and minister in-charge of National Highways, TR Zeliang, has adopted resolution for finalization of the alignment of the crucial National Highway 702 (NH-702), connecting Longleng, Longching, Mon, Tizit.
The meeting, convened to resolve the alignment contest between Option No. 1, Option No.2 and Option No. 3, was attended by key stakeholders, including local MLAs—Manpon Konyak, Nyemnyei Konyak, and Naiba Konyak; commissioner & secretary of works & housing; chief engineers of NH and R&B; executive director (P) of the National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL); and Inspector General of Assam Rifles (North) [IGAR (N)], who also serves as the Chairman of the Border Roads Network Action Plan (BRNAP). Representatives from Konyak Union (KU) and a host of officials also attended the meeting.
After a thorough review of the technical report and recommendation provided by NHIDCL, which favoured alignment Option No. 3, a consensus was reached to proceed with this technically superior route.
To address concerns about road connectivity for villages along the existing 19km stretch that will be bypassed by the new alignment, the deputy chief minister issued a strategic directive and instructed the chairman of BRNAP, IGAR (N), to convene a special meeting of a committee.
The committee, comprising BRO, NHIDCL, and State PWD, has been tasked with formally recommending that 19km stretch be taken up by BRO for dedicated maintenance and upkeep.
Zeliang described the decision as a win-win for progress and inclusivity.
He said that adopting the technically feasible Option 3 for the new highway would ensure a robust, modern road infrastructure. “Simultaneously, by entrusting the BRO with the maintenance of the existing road, we guarantee that no village is left behind and that all citizens continue to enjoy reliable connectivity,” Zeliang stated.
The deputy chief minister also appealed to the local MLAs and KU to help communicate the technical rationale behind the decision to all local stakeholders, fostering a collaborative environment to ensure the timely and unimpeded execution of the NHIDCL project. The meeting unanimously agreed to move forward with the decided plan.