Meets with NHIDCL Executive Director
Kohima, July 8 (MExN): Following the uproar over the rockfall incident at NH-2 on July 5 which damaged a car, Nagaland Deputy CM, T.R. Zeliang met Executive Director (ED) of the National Highways Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL), R.P. Singh to highlight concerns regarding the ongoing Dimapur-Kohima four-lane construction project.
The Executive Director on his part assured that as immediate safety measures, the Short Term Maintenance Contractor "will be asked to expedite the safety measures such as removing the precariously standing rocks on top of the hill, cutting the protruding rocks, rock netting, installing crash barrier etc."
"The Deputy Chief Minister impressed upon the ED on the urgency for immediate safety measures and quality control," stated an official press release. Zeliang specifically emphasized the need for a "short and long term plan" to address the hazardous Paglaphar stretch on NH-29.
Zeliang offered the State Government's assistance in acquiring land "for extension of ROW if needed for further earth cutting." He also proposed the utilization of NH-129A Peren-Dimapur, particularly Package-IV, as a bypass to expedite construction and allow for a complete closure of the Paglaphar section during the long-term plan's execution.
"In this regard, Deputy CM requested the NHIDCL to expedite the work in Package-IV so that it can be utilized as bypass," the press release noted.
The meeting also addressed concerns regarding improper signage at locations where traffic merges from four lanes to two lanes. "The ED has assured that the concern will be addressed promptly," the press release informed.
Singh, who recently took charge, assured Zeliang that he would "update himself with all the projects in the State and take measures for quality and timely completion of the projects." The meeting concluded with both parties agreeing on improved coordination between NHIDCL and the state government for a smoother implementation of highway projects in Nagaland.
