Longsa, August 2 (MExN): Minister for Roads & Bridges G Kaito Aye today said that the government is planning to make National Highway 155 a two-lane highway and to make the dilapidated Bailey bridge over Dikhu river an “RCC” bridge. The move is to help the people living in Tuensang and also villagers who have to cross Dikhu bridge from Mokokchung.
Interacting with media persons at Longsa village during Tsungremong festivities, Minister G Kaito Aye said Nagaland PWD took over NH 155 just two years ago; however the department is carrying out works ‘in a much faster way’ and the bridge over Dikhu river (popularly called Dikhu bridge) will be replaced by an “RCC” bridge, he said. He said that the bridge has outlived its time and soon the government will be replacing it with a new bridge.
Aye also said that the department has roped in a consultancy to work out modalities for making NH 155 into a two-lane highway and to make the road from Mokokchung to Tuensang ‘more feasible’ for motorists. He refused to divulge further details.
Dikhu Bridge on NH 155 has been in the news in the recent past over its pathetic condition. Motorist, especially truckers transporting essential commodities have been facing harrowing times due to the bridge’s derelict condition. This bridge remains the lifeline of people from both the sides of Dikhu River as it connects Tuengsang district with Mokokchung and also with Mariani in Assam.
The news about turning NH 155 into a double lane highway and that of replacing the present dilapidated bridge comes as a good news for the area’s people who depend on the highway and the bridge to transport goods and also link with other areas.
