Construction of double-lane modular steel bridge over Jungtchu River along the Foothill Road in Baghty.
Dimapur, April 9 (MExN): The Nagaland Public Works Department (Roads and Bridges) on Thursday issued a point-by-point response to the claims raised by the Nagaland Foothill Road Coordination Committee (NFHRCC), clarifying its position on several contentious issues surrounding the Foothill Road project. The clarification came in response to the NFHRCC’s threat to lock the PWD (R&B) office in Dimapur Division from April 15 if the second-phase work order was not issued.
Responding to the threat, the department in its clarification said work orders could only be issued after proper approval from the state government, and that no such approval had been granted for further works on the Foothill Road. “The Department will act as soon as the required approval is in place,” it stated.
On Right of Way
The NFHRCC had claimed that landowners had already provided No-Objection Certificates (NOCs) for the project. The department acknowledged this but noted that the NOCs covered only 10 to 12 metres, which fell short of technical requirements for a standard two-lane road, including carriageway, shoulders, utility corridor and other essential road components, would ordinarily require a wider Right of Way (RoW) for safe and proper road development.
However, following discussions held on April 7, 2026, and taking into consideration the practical difficulties on the ground, local issues and the concerns expressed by landowners and affected villages, the department said the proposal under consideration had been revised to 15 metres RoW free of cost. Once a consensus is reached with stakeholders, the department said it would take up the matter with the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH).
On Sub-standard Work
Responding to allegations of sub-standard work by two contractors under Baghty Division, the department said cracks found on the head wall of a Hume Pipe Culvert were caused by overloaded private mining vehicles passing over the structure before the mandatory curing period was completed. It noted that this portion passes through areas with active mining and heavy vehicle movement along the Doyang river banks, and “since this activity is connected to local livelihoods, it was not possible to fully restrict such movement.” The department added that the affected portions had already been rectified.
On 400 cr sanction
The NFHRCC had claimed that administrative approval of Rs 400 crore was sanctioned in 2024 for the second phase and demanded immediate issuance of work orders. The department flatly denied knowledge of any such approval, stating it was “not aware of such Administrative Approval having been accorded by the Government.”
On 4-lane pitch
Countering the NFHRCC's claim that the government is diverting the issue by talking of upgrading the Foothill Road to 4-lane, the department said efforts to seek central funding were aimed at “long-term development” of one of the state's most critical infrastructure projects.
It stated that MoRTH, in a communication dated May 26, 2025, had indicated certain conditions, including the requirement of 30 meters RoW free of cost and the obtaining of Forest and Environmental clearances, in the context of considering the corridor for future development.
As per technical norms, a wider RoW is generally required not only for the carriageway, but also for road shoulders, utility corridors, drainage and other public infrastructure components, the department stated.
However, following the discussions on April 7, and taking into account the practical difficulties on the ground, local issues and the concerns of landowners and affected villages, “the matter is now being pursued through a balanced and practical approach, keeping in view ground realities and stakeholder concerns.” Accordingly, the proposal presently under consideration is for 15 meters RoW free of cost. Once a consensus is arrived at with the stakeholders in the state, then the Department will take up the matter with the MoRTH, it added.
On DPR deficiency
On allegations of deficiencies in the Detailed Project Report (DPR), including shortage of Hume pipe culverts and slab culverts, the department said the DPRs were prepared based on site conditions assessed at the time of survey. It assured that if any gaps or deficiencies are found during execution, the Department will look into them and take the necessary technical steps to address them.
On contract extensions
The NFHRCC had demanded blacklisting of contractors JK Construction and Chabou & Co. for failing to complete work within the deadline of March 31, 2026.
The department said extensions were granted only after formal applications from the contractors and due review of reasons for delay, including the need to repair structures damaged by heavy vehicle movement and the need to repair damaged structures, which contributed to delays. An extension up to April 30, 2026, was accordingly granted after due process.
On resigning claims
The NFHRCC demanded that the PWD (Roads and Bridges) Minister own responsibility for his earlier assurance that he was ready to resign on moral grounds if the project failed. The department said the statement had been made specifically regarding the completion of works under the currently sanctioned amount of Rs 148.50 crore under SASCI, and not with respect to the entire Foothill Road project.
On deductions
The NFHRCC had claimed that the department was uncomfortable with the committee's involvement due to the latter’s insistence on barring any other form of monetary deductions apart from statutory deductions. The department clarified that apart from statutory deductions, no other deductions are being made from any works.
