Photo Courtesy: nagalandpost
Kohima: Nagaland Deputy Chief Minister TR Zeliang is demanding immediate action from the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) to address crumbling conditions on NH-29. Zeliang warned that contractors failing to meet maintenance obligations now face potential contract termination.
The state government will hold a meeting with NHIDCL next week to address chronic issues, including landslides, rockfalls, and infrastructure damage. Zeliang noted that the government has held quarterly meetings with NHIDCL and National Highway PWD from 2023 to 2025 without sufficient progress. He specifically highlighted recurring river erosion at Patkai Junction, where incomplete hillside cutting has reduced the four-lane highway to two lanes.
Poor timing remains a major issue. “They don’t work at the right time. They start working only during the rainy season,” Zeliang said. He is pushing for a formal long-term safety plan by October or November. The Deputy CM also rejected NHIDCL's completion reports for Packages 1 and 2, citing unfinished retaining walls and dividers. He insisted that the five-year defect liability period must be enforced, giving contractors 15 to 20 days to comply before the state pushes for termination.
Zeliang criticized NHIDCL for ignoring advice on the “benching system” for hillside cuts, a method used in Shimla and Jammu and Kashmir to stop falling rocks. He also dismissed accusations that the state blocked progress, noting that NHIDCL never submitted formal proposals for land acquisition or right of way extensions to the Deputy Commissioner.
Additional infrastructure damage is plaguing the state. Portions of NH-2 from Tuli to Ongpangkong, including areas in Langpangkong, Chungkong, Ungma, and Chuchuyimlang, have suffered landslides and mudfalls. Near Tuensang, a section of the road has been washed away. Joint teams from the NSDMA and local departments will install temporary safety measures by October, while engineers finalize long-term repairs. The state is currently evaluating three realignment options for NH-702D based on technical feasibility reports.
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