Kohima: The Nagaland Foothills Road Coordination Committee wants action. During a July 25 meeting, the group demanded the state government speed up the two-lane construction project. They also reiterated full support for upgrading the route to National Highway status under the Trans Nagaland Highway initiative. This proposal has sat idle since 2018. The committee is now pushing the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways to finalize the deal.
Construction season is coming. The committee urged the state to issue work orders for the second phase immediately. Funding stems from the 2024-25 SASCI loan scheme. Officials must handle these orders without bias. The committee warned against piecemeal inaugurations of road stretches. They said, "no warring factions or individuals would be allowed to levy taxes on the Foothills road construction stretch under any pretext." Only essential bridges should open before the entire corridor finishes.
The group also called for more money for contractors. Builders in the Baghty and Peren divisions did work beyond the original project report. The committee claims the initial paperwork was deficient. They now expect village councils to keep a close eye on the project progress.
Comments