Kohima, October 17 (MExN): The Nagaland government has ruled out any possibility of extending the deadline for crucial highway projects as the state prepares to host the 25th Hornbill Festival. A high-level meeting, chaired by Deputy Chief Minister and Minister for Planning, Transformation, and National Highways TR Zeliang, emphasized the urgent need to restore and maintain smooth traffic flow on National Highway 29, especially with an influx of tourists expected by mid-November.
During the meeting held at the Nagaland Civil Secretariat, officials discussed feedback from the Ministry of Road Transport & National Highways on various state highway projects. With a review meeting scheduled with Union Minister Nitin Gadkari on October 21-22 in New Delhi, it was stated that the Nagaland government remains focused on pressing forward with highway repairs, undeterred by recent challenges.
Despite reports from the National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) and the National Highways (NPWD) expressing concerns over delayed progress due to persistent rainfall, Deputy Chief Minister TR Zeliang insisted that extending the deadline is "unacceptable." He underscored the necessity of timely completion to accommodate the festival season's high traffic, directing both NHIDCL and NPWD to expedite efforts and finish by the end of October.
In line with this mandate, the Works & Housing Department has issued reminders to all responsible agencies to urgently complete maintenance and repairs. The NPWD has been specifically instructed to ensure that bypass roads remain operational and accessible should there be unforeseen disruptions on the main highway.
The Deputy Chief Minister reiterated that smooth and unobstructed roadways are essential for the festival, which draws thousands of visitors to Nagaland each year. “We cannot afford delays when the entire state is preparing to welcome tourists and dignitaries from across the world,” he said. “It is imperative that NH-29 is fully restored to provide seamless access to the Naga Heritage Village and other key destinations.”
Alongside the highway project review, the meeting also addressed pending land compensation issues impacting NH-202. The Commissioner & Secretary of Land Revenue was instructed to finalize land rates for districts affected by the project, enabling the state government to expedite its submission for sanction by the ministry.
