CM lays foundation stone for 2 road projects in Dmp

Morung Express News
Dimapur | January 17

Nagaland State Chief Minister, TR Zeliang on Wednesday laid the foundation stone for two road projects in Dimapur, including New Field Check Gate to Zion Hospital Junction (2 lane – 4.4 km) and Zion Hospital Junction to Chumukedima (4 lane – 12.90 km) along NH 39 stretch at a contract value of Rs 509.08 crore.  

Speaking after unveiling the foundation stone at Zion Hospital Junction, Dimapur, Zeliang said that the road would be cement concrete. He said that the completion of the two projects would help the connectivity between Dimapur and Kohima for which four laning of works were in “good progress.” He informed that TK Engineers from Arunachal Pradesh would be undertaking the projects.  

He recalled efforts made by previous governments to widen the Dimapur-Chumukedima stretch when clearance of roadside trees for double laning works were taken up but met with objections by the land owners. Zeliang said that alternative route for four laning of Dimapur – Kohima was also taken up from NH 36 in Karbi Anglong through Rangapahar Army Cantonement to 7th Mile area by-passing the main town but did not materialize owing to objections from various quarters.  

However, he expressed delight that the dream of a modern 4-lane from Dimapur – Kohima would be a reality soon in the form of a permanent by-pass from Khatkhati/Lahorijan to Patkai via Showuba-Niuland-Seithekema. “We need to ensure availability of land and extend cooperation,” he added.

  Zeliang also pointed out that under global tenders there were no rules about awarding contract works to local contractors. He said that the four laning works were supervised by NHIDCL which had assured contractors of 3% bonus if the projects were completed in two and half years although it could take about three years.  

Meanwhile, the Chief Minister encouraged the public to check the progress of the project and see if works were being carried out according to specifications and bring it to the notice of the government. He informed that the contractors would be responsible for maintenance of the road for four years after completion of the project. “In order to ensure proper maintenance of the roads, the State Government has now adopted the Nagaland Road Maintenance Policy 2017,” he added.  

Assures early construction of bridges

Zeliang also said that the government was committed to early construction of bridges that were damaged or collapsed in and around Dimapur during heavy rains. He said construction of RCC Girder Bridge over Chathe River, Diphupar B and construction of new RCC Girder Bridge over Dhansiri River at Nagarjan have already started and were in good progress.  

Further, Zeliang informed that the 10 km road project from KMC Gate to New Reserve Police Check Gate via TCP Gate and PHQ in Kohima has also been sanctioned by the Centre at a cost of Rs 111.11 crore.  

He said that the 2-lane Dimapur-Kohima bypass road from Niuland – Zadima has also been sanctioned by the Centre at a cost of Rs 322 crore and works would be started soon. He said various road projects which were stalled in different districts owing to various reasons have also been restarted and expressed the hope that Nagaland would have decent road in 2-3 years time.