Dimapur, February 19 (MExN): The Nagaland Foothills Road Central Committee (NFHRCC) has appealed to Chief Minister Dr Neiphiu Rio to expedite the release of work orders for the second phase of the two-lane foothills road project, stressing the need to commence work before the onset of the monsoon season.
In a statement issued here, the committee expressed gratitude to the Chief Minister for his continued patronage of the project, which was initiated in 2013. The 395.9 km stretch, referred to as the ‘Nagaland People’s Road,’ will connect Tizit in Mon district to Khelma in Peren, passing through eight districts and over 200 villages.
The NFHRCC noted that the first phase of the project, undertaken under the SASCI loan scheme, is nearing completion. It urged the government to promptly initiate the second phase for the remaining divisions.
The committee also acknowledged the efforts of Minister for PWD (Roads & Bridges) Kaito Aye, who inspected the ongoing works at the Baghty division in Wokha district on February 7. It welcomed the extended deadline of March 31, 2026, set by the minister for completing the current works without compromising quality. The NFHRCC called on contractor firms, M/S JK Constructions and M/S Chabou & Co, along with the departmental technical team, to adhere to the timeline.
The committee further urged local MLA Achumbemo Kikon, who also holds several key positions, to honour his commitment to personally monitor and supervise the quality of works in the Baghty division, falling under his constituency. It recalled that Kikon had personally selected the two firms based on their credentials and their assurance to mobilise resources even if government funds were delayed.
Highlighting logistical hurdles, the NFHRCC pressed the concerned department to immediately supply galvanised steel structures to four bridge construction firms at Baghty division and one at Peren division. It also demanded the timely release of funds to ensure accountability and prevent external pressures on the executing agencies.
While appreciating contractors who have completed works in Niuland, Tuli, Longleng and Naganimora divisions, the committee expressed hope that the Tizit division upgrade would be completed by the March 31 deadline.
The NFHRCC also acknowledged the support of various civil society groups, including the Ao Senden, Lotha HOHO, the Lotha Lower Range Students’ Union (LLRSU), the Aggrieved Foothills Road Forum-Bhandari and Changpang Area (AFRBF-B&CA), and others, for continuously advocating for the project’s early completion.
