Morung Express News
Kohima | March 19
Works under Packages I, II and III of the Dimapur-Kohima four lane project on National Highway-29, covering about 43 km, are expected to be completed on or before May 31, the Gauhati High Court, Kohima Bench (GHCKB) was informed on March 18.
Only a small stretch, awarded under a subsequent contract, is likely to be completed by June 2027, NHIDCL Executive Director RP Singh submitted before the Division Bench of Justice Devashis Baruah and Justice Yarenjungla Longkumer during the hearing of an ongoing Sou Motu Public interest Litigation (PIL).
Meanwhile, on the long-term mitigation measures, particularly in rockfall-prone areas along NH-29, NHIDCL informed the Court that a Detailed Project Report (DPR) is under preparation.
The DPR will be submitted to the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways for necessary sanction upon completion, it added.
Accordingly, the Court directed that these details be placed on record through an affidavit. However there were no updates on river protection works on Chathe River.
Meanwhile, appearing for the State PWD (National Highway), Additional Advocate General Nagaland submitted that several status reports have been filed by the Chief Engineer covering the period from February 5 to March 11. While noting substantial progress in the stretch from Km 172.900 to Km 185.540, he informed the Court that surface works slowed during the week commencing March 5 due to a shortage of bitumen.
Listing the matter for further hearing on April 8, the Court directed Chief Engineer, PWD (NH) to place up-to-date status report through an affidavit.
Kohima-Mao project almost over
In a separate but related PIL concerning National Highway-2, the Court was informed that works undertaken by contractors have been completed to the satisfaction of the authorities, as affirmed through an affidavit filed by the Authority Engineer.
NHIDCL further submitted that the road stretch, which had earlier triggered the PIL due to its poor condition, has already been completed.
However, additional works may still be required in certain vulnerable locations affected by landslides, for which contracts have already been awarded, it added.
Observing the improved condition, the Court noted that it would consider whether continued monitoring of the NH-2 matter is necessary.
The case has been listed for March 25, to hear the Amicus Curiae, with directions to NHIDCL to file an affidavit detailing the current status and ongoing measures.
