Karaiba Chawang
November 30
KOHIMA (MExN): Almost after 2 years of the assurance made by former Indian Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, the State government today said that survey works for conversion of the present two-lane at NH- 39 into four-lane was still underway by the Border Roads Organiztion, but is expected to complete within a short time.
The Deputy Chairman, State Planning Board, and member of State Road Board, Deo Nukhu told The Morung Express that along with the survey works, side by side improvement works are also being carried out on the Highway.
However, he said that NH 39, when made into 4 Lane would skip certain portion and would not follow the usual route due topographical reason. This, he said was one of the obstacles in the early implementation of the project.
Alternative route for NH 39 has been arranged through Peducha (Lalmati) and will pass through Wokha via Chiechama. He said that this arrangement has been made because of the unfriendly topography and unstable soil in and around Kohima and in some portion of the present route.
Deo said that though land compensations have to be paid for certain areas, but such problems would not come in the way while implementing the 4 lane Highway project.
It may be mentioned that the proposal to convert NH 39 into a 4 lane road, was made by former Prime Minister Vajpayee during his visit to the State capital in 2003. Deo further said that road connectivity to all the district and sub-divisional headquarters are the major thrust of the DAN government in developing the state.
Highlighting some achievements of the present government, he said that two highways namely NH 150, which linked Kohima and Jesami, and another NH 155 which linked Jesami-Mokokchung via Kiphire has been approved by the state government.
Besides, diversion of Dimapur-Peren road via 6th Mile has been approved by the Government of India. This diversion is made to evade the steep hill along the Razephema belt. He also added that improvement of Medziphema-Jalukie road too has been approved by the state government for implementation under NEC.
Meanwhile, Deo Nukhu also said that Airport at Kohima (Chiethu) is in the offing.
This, he said will be constructed by Airport Authority of India, under the
Ministry of Civil Aviation, adding that investigation and survey works are underway since last year.
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