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Wepretso Mero, NCS (Retd)
The ongoing four lane road construction at NH-29 is one of the most important lifelines in Nagaland, connecting two of the state’s biggest cities, Dimapur and the capital Kohima. The project had started in 2015 by the National Highway Infrastructure Development Corp Ltd (NHIDCL) under the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways, Government of India. The contract works were allotted to some reputed companies for execution of the work and it is being continued. And now, major portions of the road in the said route is executed, however, many portions still remain incomplete. In the process, it has been observed that in many portions Camber System has not been implemented and for which the rain water flows to the divider section and it is adversely affecting the road quality.
The introduction of Camber would go a long way in ensuring durability of the roads. Camber is the traverse slope that is provided on the road so as to raise the middle portion of the road to drain off the rain water and avert water from accumulating even in the mid divider sections. The Camber system which has already been implemented/executed in the neighbouring states viz., Assam, Meghalaya etc. are enjoying good quality roads today.
It is pertinent to mention that there are ongoing two-lane road constructions in Zunheboto, Phek District and towards Jessami under Chingai Sub-division in Ukhrul District of Manipur state in order to provide interstate road connectivity.
The Governor of Nagaland RN Ravi and the Chief Minister, Neiphiu Rio have themselves been actively involved in ensuring the timely completion/ implementation of the road projects with the vision that it would bring progressive economic development and become an important permanent asset for the State of Nagaland.
As we look forward to Kohima Smart City solutions, there is great expectation that the reputed companies/ contractors taking up the ongoing road development projects will introduce camber system positively in present and future road development projects and also rectify the portions of the ongoing project(s) where camber system has not been introduced. It is also pertinent to mention that the future of durable road connectivity lies in looking forward to sustainable solutions which includes turning single-use plastic to road building material. With the initiatives being taken up across the North Eastern states like Meghalaya, a time is coming for Nagaland to look forward and adapt to new sustainable and cost effective solutions/technologies to ensure quality road construction and maintenance.
The writer is former Chairman, State Quality Control Board, Nagaland.
