KOHIMA : Nagaland’s lone Lok Sabha MP, S Supongmeren Jamir, on Saturday said strict monitoring would be undertaken over the next four months to ensure the timely completion of national highway projects in the state, warning that contractors failing to meet deadlines would face action.
Addressing a press conference at Congress Bhavan here, Jamir, also the Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) president, said he inspected work on national highway stretches from Dimapur to Kohima, and Kohima to Jesami on May 28 and 29, to assess implementation, maintenance and safety standards of road projects executed by the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL).
He said that while Nagaland’s difficult terrain and unpredictable monsoon posed natural challenges, contractors and executing agencies must be adequately prepared to deliver projects on schedule.
Jamir said the inspection, conducted along with district administrations, NHIDCL officials and contractors, focused particularly on road safety measures, drainage maintenance and construction quality.
He pointed out that road safety infrastructure from the Assam border to Kohima, including signage and dividers, was found to be below NHIDCL standards. He said NHIDCL had been asked to strictly enforce its guidelines and ensure that contractors maintain the same standards as seen in other states.
On maintenance issues, he said blocked drainage systems and neglect after road construction had contributed to road damage, and contractors had been directed to clear such areas within stipulated timelines.
Referring to the Dimapur-Kohima stretch, Jamir expressed concern over poorly planned road dividers, saying some had been constructed without proper approval and adequate safety assessment, contributing to accidents. He said any road divider or access opening must be approved by competent NHIDCL authorities with proper signage.
Jamir said that most highway stretches under NHIDCL are expected to be completed this year, except the Kohima bypass road, which may take another two years due to bridge construction requirements and land disputes.
The MP raised concern over theft of aluminium crash barriers and road signage, terming it a serious threat to public safety. He also noted that illegal mining activities had blocked roads at over 35 locations.
During his visit to Phek district on Friday, Jamir inspected the BSF Camp to Chakhabama stretch and said repair and maintenance works had been assured within 20 days.
Jamir said weekly monitoring would be undertaken over the next four months in coordination with district administrations to ensure that contractors fulfil their commitments. (Source: PTI)
