Kohima: First-time MLA Kevipodi Sophie, on Tuesday raised serious concerns over the condition of the NH-2 which connects Nagaland and Manipur, citing significant inefficiencies by the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL).
The road, awarded to Fortune Group in 2020 as a two-lane project, he said, remains in poor condition despite its strategic importance.
The original contract, slated for completion by April 22, 2022, after 549 days, faced delays leading to a 314-day extension, shifting the deadline to March 2, 2023. The road remains in a deplorable state well beyond this revised deadline.
Sophie highlighted the severe impact of these delays on residents and travelers. “Frequent vehicle breakdowns and landslides due to poor drainage have made commuting a nightmare,” he said. “Students, workers, and even ambulances are struggling to navigate the road, leaving people stranded without timely medical care,” he pointed out.
The MLA criticised NHIDCL’s management of the project, noting that the state government needs to reassess its agreements with the central government to ensure better oversight. “The state must be actively involved in monitoring these projects to prevent such suffering,” Sophie asserted.
Sophie observed that Nagaland’s special status under Article 371(A) of the Indian Constitution, which grants the state autonomy over land and resources, should be used to assert more control over project execution within the state.
The Lerie Gate to Mao Gate road is part of NH-29, now re-designated as NH-2|A-1, the first National Highway in Nagaland. This road is crucial for regional connectivity, linking Nagaland with Manipur, Myanmar, and other ASEAN countries under the Government of India’s Act East Policy.
Sophie expressed concerns over the road’s current design, which he said cannot accommodate large vehicles safely. He proposed constructing a full-fledged two-lane road with necessary bridge reconstructions or, if terrain constraints persist, a parallel two-lane road extending to Mao Gate.
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Sophie also sought details from the minister in charge regarding the observations and recommendations of the Technical Fact-Finding Committee on the NH-29 project.
Deputy CM TR Zeliang responded that the Committee had not yet submitted its findings, but documents relating to the project have been requested from NHIDCL. Reconstruction of a two-lane road within the existing Right of Way (ROW) is underway.
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