Kohima: Deputy Chief Minister of Nagaland, T.R. Zeliang, who also holds the portfolio for Planning & Transformation and National Highway, on Wednesday reaffirmed his commitment to the sustainable development of National Highway (NH) projects in the state.
An update from his office informed that Zeliang, taking forward his efforts to ensure timely and efficient progress, will continue to oversee ongoing works through onsite inspections and increased coordination among implementing agencies.
In line with the discussion held with Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, during a meeting on 21st October 2024 in New Delhi, Zeliang emphasised the need for regular coordination meetings.
These meetings, which were previously held quarterly, will now be conducted on a monthly basis, as required, to ensure the timely resolution of issues concerning ongoing projects. The coordination will now include officials from the Regional Office, Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), Guwahati, and other Ministry representatives for matters requiring immediate intervention.
The first coordination meeting of 2025 will take place in January, with the participation of officials from NPWD (NH), NHIDCL, and BRTF, to review the status of all ongoing projects under their supervision.
During his National Highway tour from 11-14 November 2024, covering six districts, Zeliang inspected several ongoing highway projects under the supervision of NPWD (NH). Following this, he plans to inspect projects under NHIDCL in January 2025, with a subsequent review of BRTF projects.
The Executive Director of NHIDCL Kohima, along with officials from the respective Project Management Units (PMUs) and concerned contractors, are expected to be present on site during the inspections. The official tour program, detailing the route and date of travel, will be circulated once finalized.
Zeliang acknowledged that some NHIDCL projects have been stalled or delayed due to land acquisition issues, leading to incomplete or unstarted projects. To address these concerns, the Deputy Chief Minister plans to have detailed interactions with landowners, village council chairmen, GBs, and respective Deputy Commissioners to understand the issues first-hand and find solutions. Zeliang warned that if these land acquisition matters are not resolved within the given timelines, the NPWD (NH) Department would have no choice but to recommend the foreclosure and de-sanctioning of such projects.
The sustainable development of road connectivity remains one of the key priorities of the current government under the leadership of Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, as per the deputy CM’s office. Zeliang emphasised the importance of quality workmanship and timely completion of highway projects to ensure the state’s progress. He expressed confidence that active oversight would help resolve issues that could otherwise delay the completion of projects, ensuring that stipulated deadlines are met.
In his appeal to all stakeholders, Zeliang urged cooperation with the government’s policies and regulations governing the construction of National Highways. He emphasised that delays in completing ongoing projects could hinder the state’s ability to secure new sanctions for future projects, particularly affecting rural areas in the state that are in dire need of improved road infrastructure.
Zeliang further added that residents of Nagaland should not continue to suffer from poor road conditions due to the actions of a few vested interests. The timely completion of these projects is crucial not only for the state’s development but also for ensuring equitable road connectivity for all its citizens.
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