Dimapur, August 21 (MExN): In a joint representation submitted to the Deputy Chief Minister and Minister in-charge of National Highways, Government of Nagaland, five “affected tribal representatives” from the eastern districts of Nagaland have raised serious concerns over the incomplete maintenance work on National Highway 202 (NH-202) and have urged for the speedy implementation of the long-pending two-laning project for the strategic highway.
The representation, signed by leaders of the Chang, Sangtam, Khiamniungan, Yimkhiung and Tikhir tribal bodies, highlighted that the Short-Term Maintenance Contract (STMC) for NH-202, awarded to Hi-Tech Construction & Co., Pace Enterprises, and Classic Construction for the period from June 19, 2025, to June 19, 2026, remains largely unimplemented across the entire 244-kilometre stretch.
However, the councils noted that “duration for the maintenance work has already lapsed without any visible execution.” Therefore, the house has resolved to grant a final extension until the first week of October 2026 to complete the work without compromising quality. “Failure to comply within this timeframe will compel us to initiate actions deemed fit,” the signatories cautioned.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has sanctioned a one year STMC for NH-202, covering a stretch of 244 Km stretch for the year 2026-2027 across Tuensang, Shamator, Kiphire and Meluri districts. While the tribal bodies welcomed the move, they have urged the competent authority to keep the new contract in abeyance until the pending maintenance work for the 2025–26 period is fully completed.
The memorandum also referred to a communication from MoRTH (D.O.NH-12024/09/2021/NG/Zone-V dated July 27, 2026), and a meeting with the Deputy CM on July 20, 2026, which reportedly agreed on “an interim arrangement” to prevent a halt in National Highway projects and to continue land acquisition processes in Nagaland as per pre-2025 norms.
On the larger developmental front, the leaders reiterated the urgency of the two-laning project for NH-202, calling it the “lifeline” for entire populace of Tuensang, Shamator, Noklak, and Kiphire districts. They noted, “NH 202 is one of the oldest and the only National Highway that serves as the lifeline for the entire populace of Tuensang, Shamator, Noklak and Kiphire Districts that remains to be upgraded in the State, while the rest of the state is connected with proper and upgraded two lane highways.”
“Your competent authority is requested to kindly initiate the implementation of the two-laning project of NH-202 at the earliest,” the representation urged.
The joint representation was issued by Chang Khulei Setshang Vice President N Sipong Chang; United Sangtam Likhüm Pümji President K Aliba Sangtam; Khiamniungan Tribal Council President L Ngon; Yimkhiung Tribal Council President Throngso Yimkhiung; and Tikhir Tribal Council President Timong.
