Minister for Roads & Bridges, Y. Vikheho Swu, Minister for School Education & SCERT, Yitachu, Parliamentary Secretary for Industries & Commerce, Amenba Yaden and others during inspection of the ongoing construction of Pokhungri-Avakhung–Layshi road on April 14. (Morung Photo)
Pokhungri- Avakhung –Layshi road is motor-able
Chizokho Vero
Meluri | April 16
Though still incomplete, the Pokhungri-Avakhung-Layshi road connecting Myanmar from Nagaland side of the border of India has become motor-able for vehicles.
Minister for Roads & Bridges, Y. Vikheho Swu, who inspected the ongoing road construction on Thursday last, said vehicles are already using the road to get to Myanmar from India. However, it was still not feasible for commercial vehicle to ply along the International trade road, the minister informed.
Inspecting the trade route along with Minister for School Education & SCERT, Yitachu, Parliamentary Secretary for Industries & Commerce, Amenba Yaden and several other officials on Thursday, the minister expressed satisfaction with the formation cutting.
He said even though the actual specification of the road is 3.5 meters, the contractor, M/S Viu Angami & Sons has widened the road to nearly 5 meters. The minister however observed that he (contractor Viu Angami) has yet to complete the black topping and carpeting.
Swu said that if the funding agency - North Eastern Council (NEC) agrees, the Nagaland Government has in mind to propose 7.5-meter road, which would be two lanning from Pokhungri to International Trade Centre, Avakhung. Dwelling on the importance of the road, Swu pointed out that Nagas would have a lot to gain once the road is officially opened. He also suggested that the road from Akhegwo to Pokhungri should be upgraded while taking into consideration the road connecting to Myanmar once operational is going to benefit everyone.
The international trade route is expecting completion by November.
“On our part we want to inaugurate the road officially only when commercial vehicles can ply,” Swu said.
Education minister Yitachu expressed optimism that the trade route connecting Nagaland with Myanmar can link the commercial hubs in Myanmar and usher in good neighborly relationship and cooperation between two countries. Yitachu maintained that both India and Myanmar has good prospects for trade- with rice, fish, livestock, electronic goods and even precious stones expected from Myanmar and while India can trade textile products, medicines, agriculture machineries, etc.
Due to its strategic location, the Government of India through the then Union Minister of State for Commerce declared Avakhung as the first Land Custom Station (LCS) at Mandalay, Myanmar on October 14, 2008, according to Er Abija Khing, Executive Engineer PWD (R&B), Phek Division.
