DIMAPUR: A Project Monitoring Group (PMG) meeting to review the progress of ongoing highway projects under the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) was held on May 14 at the office chamber of the deputy commissioner, Kohima. The meeting was chaired by DC Kohima, B. Henok Buchem, and attended by revenue officials, NHIDCL representatives, contractors, consultants and other stakeholders.
According to DIRP report, officials reviewed package wise implementation of the four lane highway project and Kohima bypass. NHIDCL informed that Package I has achieved around 26% physical progress, Package II about 43%, while Package III road works have reached nearly 90% completion and are expected to open for traffic by July 2026.
Tunnel construction was a key focus, with separate contracts executed for box tunnels and push technology tunnels. The push technology tunnel at Chainage 157 has crossed 50% progress and is targeted for completion by December 2026, while tunnel sections at Chainages 153 and 156 are expected to be completed by June 2027.
Officials also reported progress in GSB, WMM and DBM works, along with temporary diversions, culverts and drainage improvements to ease traffic during the monsoon. Concerns over sinking zones, landslides, compensation and tunnel affected areas were deliberated, with emphasis on coordination to avoid delays.
NHIDCL further informed that a major 81 metre bridge has been proposed, with DPR completed. A consolidated DPR for the Dimapur Kohima corridor, including slope protection and alignment improvements, is expected to be submitted to the ministry by June or July.
A separate DPR presentation on rehabilitation of existing bridges, construction of new bridges, slope protection and landslide mitigation along the Kohima–Mao Road (NH 02) was also held under the chairmanship of DC Buchem. Consultants highlighted advanced investigations including LiDAR surveys, drone radar imaging, slope stability studies and subsurface investigations. Of six existing bridges assessed, four were found in poor condition and proposed for replacement with wider span bridges.
Engineering interventions proposed include reinforced soil structures with geogrid and geocell technology, drainage enhancement, gabion retaining walls, soil nailing and slope stabilization.
Road widening and curve improvement works were also discussed to address accident prone stretches, alongside alternative alignments to avoid landslide zones.
Officials raised concerns over private constructions near vulnerable landslide areas and stressed precautionary measures. DC Buchem urged departments and implementing agencies to adopt a humane and people centric approach while dealing with affected residents during execution of infrastructure works.
