Correspondent
KOHIMA, SEP 24 (NPN): Lok Sabha MP S Supongmeren Jamir on Thursday inspected ongoing road projects under the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL), including the critical Patkai Bridge and Phesama stretches and urged officials and contractors to expedite restoration and ensure long-term solutions to recurring road failures.
At Patkai Bridge, Jamir directed officials to clear blocked drainage channels and remove vegetation along the road. He questioned NHIDCL officials over the prolonged problems on the stretch, noting that the project, which was initially expected to be completed within five years, had already taken 12 years.
Jamir said the topographical survey conducted by NHIDCL should have anticipated and addressed the difficult stretches currently facing the project. He observed that NHIDCL had the necessary expertise but the problems had persisted for years and called for greater focus on how to address them going forward.
He also questioned whether Nagaland’s topography was more challenging than elsewhere, while urging NHIDCL to ensure a safe road within the next two years.
NHIDCL officials informed Jamir that diversion would be undertaken at all critical locations, particularly areas vulnerable to rockfalls, to provide a permanent solution to the problems currently being faced. They said four bridges would be constructed to bypass the most critical portions, while the existing road would continue to be maintained for normal traffic. The bridge works were expected to take around two years to complete. The officials said a comprehensive and technically sound Detailed Project Report (DPR) was necessary to avoid recurrence of the problems. They acknowledged that faulty DPRs could result in similar failures and said all earlier locations where works had failed would be identified and addressed.
The officials also cited similar challenges in the Haflong area, while pointing to the successful execution of railway works on the Lumding-Silchar section, including a critical four-km stretch, as an example of how difficult terrain could be addressed.
They informed that the preliminary DPR would be submitted within the week for consideration by higher authorities, following which the process for approval and tendering would be initiated. They said adequate time would have to be allowed for the tendering process.
Jamir recalled that during his previous visit to the stretch, he had issued directions for corrective measures, but observed that the situation had since deteriorated. He said reports may have been submitted by the officials, but little had been implemented on the ground.
He pointed out that no machinery had been engaged on the affected stretch for the past two months and said the public pressure on NHIDCL was evident. Jamir noted that NHIDCL was responsible for only around 73 km of highway in the State and said the agency’s performance on this stretch would directly affect public perception of its work.
He said the monsoon could be taken into consideration, but the sincerity of contractors had to be reflected in actual restoration activities. He also pointed out that one side of the road had been completely closed, leaving only a single carriageway open for traffic.
Jamir asked NHIDCL to ensure that the road was cleared within one month. He directed that all drains be cleared and grass-cutting completed within 10 days. He also stressed that lapses in previous surveys should not be repeated.
Referring to earlier incidents, the officials said the report concerning the Perima case had been submitted to the Home Department a year earlier, while the report concerning the truck-driver case had been submitted to the Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority (NSDMA). They also stressed the need to clearly define the responsibilities of contractors in such situations.
At Phesama, Jamir held discussions with landowners, contractors, district administration officials and NHIDCL representatives regarding restoration of the severely affected highway stretch. He asked the contractors to begin restoration work at the earliest, stating that the damage had significantly hampered major highway connectivity. He suggested that restoration be undertaken simultaneously from both ends of the landslide-affected area to expedite completion.
NHIDCL officials informed that compensation for the affected landowners had been dispatched. The district administration highlighted the difficulties being faced and outlined possible measures required for commencing the restoration work.
Officials further informed that necessary markings of the land required for cutting had already begun and that work would commence shortly. They said the contractor had also been apprised of the various challenges that could arise during the restoration. Jamir cautioned NHIDCL that pressure would mount with the approach of the State’s festive season, underscoring the need to restore normal traffic movement at the earliest.