A spot inspection by Lotha Hoho at the Nagaland Foothill Road site in Baghty division on January 21. The inspecting body reported serious dissatisfaction with both the speed and standard of construction. (Morung Photo)
Morung Express News
Wokha | January 21
The Lotha Hoho conducted a spot inspection of the ongoing Nagaland Foothill Road construction in the Baghty division on January 21, and expressed serious dissatisfaction with both the pace and quality of the work.
The inspection team led by members of Lotha Hoho, was accompanied by representatives of Lotha Lower Range Public Organisation (LLRPO), Ralan Area Lotha Hoho (RALH), Nagaland Foothill Road Coordination Committee (NFHRCC), Junior Engineer (JE) of PWD (R&B), contractors engaged in the construction of five bridges along the 38.6-km stretch and members of Agrive Villagers Forum (Champang–Merapani area).
The inspection team noted that while the original deadline for the project was December 8, 2025, the contractor and PWD (R&B) department have been given a three-month extension to finish the work.
At a meeting in Hayiyan village, contractors for five bridges reported that civil works are complete but progress is stalled, awaiting steel structures from the PWD (R&B). They assured that completion would follow swiftly upon delivery, which is expected ‘next week.’
The Lotha Hoho, dissatisfied with the project’s slow progress post-inspection, called on contractors to immediately intensify their work to meet the new deadline. The Hoho cautioned that the onset of the monsoon season would severely hamper progress if delays continue. Underlining the importance of the project, the Hoho urged the contractors to adhere strictly to the Detailed Project Report (DPR) specifications. It also appealed to the department to expedite the launch of the second phase of Nagaland Foothill Road, now renamed the Trans-Nagaland Expressway, also known as ‘People’s Road.’
Lotha Hoho members provided a breakdown of the deficiencies found on the 38.6-kilometer section from Merapani to Doyang Bridge up to the Governor's Camp. They found that five bridges are awaiting department-supplied iron structures; only 48 out of 152 required culverts have completed; and earthwork described as deplorable and far below expectations. They also pointed out the absence of wing walls for bridges and culverts, warning that this poses a serious risk of the structures being washed away during the monsoon.
LLRPO President, T Amos Kikon stated that the public is dissatisfied with the quality of construction work. While he expressed satisfaction with the bridge structures, he criticised the substandard earth-cutting work and raised concerns that the Hume pipes used would not withstand heavy vehicular movement for more than a year.
Yanmhon Area Public Organisation President, Thungdemo Tungoe added that since May 2025, the organization has conducted 38 inspections. They have repeatedly pressured and advised the department and contractors to ensure proper workmanship, but the quality of work remains poor. He called for better coordination between the department and the contractors to ensure satisfactory construction.
In response to concerns, JE PWD (R&B) Baghty Division Yanbemo Ngullie stated that although the original contract period has lapsed, the department has granted a three-month extension for completion. He assured that work is being accelerated to meet the revised deadline and is adhering to DPR specifications.
Following the inspection, Vice Chairman of Lotha Hoho Elis Jungio briefed the media and expressed strong dissatisfaction with both the pace and quality of work.
He reported that the workmanship is substandard and nearly 100 culverts remain unfinished. Noting that the original deadline was December 2025, Jungio said the project remains far from complete despite an extension until March. With only two months remaining, he cautioned that timely completion is now impossible without immediate and serious effort. He informed that the Lotha Hoho will monitor progress daily and will take appropriate action if the work is not finished within the extended timeframe.
Representatives of the NFHRCC thanked the Lotha Hoho for arranging the inspection. They informed that projects in other divisions are proceeding systematically and are near completion.
Their serious concern, however, is with the Baghty Division, where progress remains unsatisfactory. While some portions of the work are acceptable, less than 50% has been finished after one year, with only two months remaining in the project timeline.
The NFHRCC noted the consistent presence of the Junior Engineer during inspections but were concerned that neither the responsible Executive Engineer (EE) nor the Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO) has ever visited the sites, raising questions about their cooperation.
They further highlighted a critical shortage of field personnel in the Baghty Division. Despite repeated verbal appeals and a formal written application to the department, no action has been taken. The NFHRCC appealed to the department to urgently depute the required staff, noting that Wokha district has the longest stretch under its jurisdiction yet remains understaffed, placing immense pressure on the existing workforce.
