Kohima: The Nagaland Foothills Road Coordination Committee (NFHRCC) wants action. During a marathon meeting on July 25, the group demanded the state government expedite the two-lane Foothills Road project. They are tired of waiting. The proposal for National Highway status under the Trans Nagaland Highway initiative has lingered with the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) since 2018.
Construction season is coming. The committee urged officials to issue work orders for the second phase immediately. This push relies on administrative approval from the 2024-25 SASCI loan scheme. They insist the state must act without bias or prejudice. "The committee resolved to press the government to relentlessly pursue the matter with the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways," the group stated.
Construction quality and scope remain points of contention. The NFHRCC noted the original Detailed Project Report appeared deficient. Consequently, bridge contractors in the Baghty and Peren divisions did extra work. The committee is now demanding that the government provide these contractors with additional funding.
No more shortcuts. The committee warned the department against piecemeal inaugurations of road segments. Only essential bridges should be opened before the entire corridor finishes. Village councils must watch the work closely. Since 2013, the committee's stance on taxation remains firm. They will not allow warring factions or individuals to levy taxes on the construction site under any pretext.
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