Correspondent
KOHIMA, MAY 30 (NPN): Nagaland Lok Sabha MP S Supongmeren Jamir has called for stricter road safety measures, better maintenance and timely completion of National Highway projects following inspections of the Dimapur-Kohima and Kohima-Jessami highways on May 28-29.
Addressing the mdeai at Congress Bhavan, Jamir said the inspections, conducted with officials from the district administration, NHIDCL and contractors, reviewed project progress, road safety infrastructure and contractor accountability. While acknowledging challenges posed by landslides and heavy rainfall, he stressed that contractors must be prepared to meet project timelines.
Expressing concern over road safety infrastructure along the Dimapur-Kohima highway, Jamir said several stretches lacked adequate signage, safety barriers and warning systems. He urged NHIDCL to strictly enforce safety norms. He also highlighted poor drainage maintenance, saying blocked drains were contributing to road damage, and directed contractors to clear drains and address maintenance issues within stipulated timelines. Deficiencies in the upkeep of road dividers and related infrastructure were also noted.
Jamir raised concern over unauthorized openings in road dividers by vehicle owners, landowners, farmers and commercial establishments, warning that such crossings increased accident risks. He said dividers should remain closed unless approved by NHIDCL after proper safety assessments, with authorized crossings equipped with signage, solar-powered warning lights and flashers.
Reviewing ongoing projects, Jamir expressed confidence that most National Highway works in the state could be completed this year. However, he said the Kohima bypass project would likely require two more years due to pending bridge works and unresolved land issues. He emphasized that completion of the bypass was crucial to easing traffic congestion in Kohima.
On the Patkai Bridge-Kukidolong stretch of NH-29, Jamir said the contractor for the Patkai Bridge-Medziphema section had been terminated for poor performance and replaced by a local contractor for maintenance works. He cautioned commuters about rockfall risks and single-lane stretches. As a long-term solution, he said NHIDCL had proposed constructing a riverside bridge from Patkai Bridge to bypass the vulnerable hillside section.
On the Kohima-Jessami road project, Jamir said potholes and damaged portions between the BSF Camp and Chakhabama would be repaired within 20 days as assured by contractors. He described Package-II (Chakhabama-Kikruma) as the most critical section, noting that the first contractor had been terminated while the second had failed to maintain the required pace. With only 42% of the work completed and 58% pending, he expressed concern over meeting the January 2026 deadline.
Jamir said discussions involving the contractor, district administration, Chakhesang Public Organisation (CPO) and Chakhesang Students’ Union (CSU) resulted in the company giving the contractor four months to improve progress. The contractor has committed to deploying more workers and machinery to achieve 80% completion by September. Failure to meet revised targets could lead to termination of the contract.
He also acknowledged the support of CPO and CSU, saying their cooperation with project authorities and the administration had helped accelerate construction and address implementation challenges. Jamir expressed hope that the Package-II contractor would fulfil its commitments and improve road connectivity in the region.