Nagaland gets its first four-lane arch bridge

Morung Express News
Kohima | November 29

Nagaland got its first four-lane arch bridge (Sanuorü) leading to the Capital Complex (New Secretariat) which was dedicated by Chief Minister, Neiphiu Rio on November 29. A year ago, the two-lane portion of the bridge was completed and opened for traffic on November 30, 2020.

The Ministry of Road Transport & Highway (MoRTH) sanctioned the project during December 2015 at a total cost of Rs 35.82 crore with Rs 20 crore under the CRF (MoRTH) sanctioned on December 29, 2015 and Rs. 15.81 crore under state resources for additional works sanctioned during 2021.

The work was allotted to two contractors on a joint venture during July 2016, wherein the actual bridge layout was given only during November 2018. Prior to the start of actual bridge works, RCC channel works along the river, protection works etc were carried out to avoid erosion and scouring of the sides.

Land issue obstructing developments
While dedicating the bridge to the people of the state, Rio cited land issue as a hindrance to developments in Nagaland. He maintained that the state is lacking in infrastructural development, an issue compounded by the unresolved Naga political issue.

“Some (land owners) are very generous, but some are creating problems not only in Kohima, but all over the state which is hindering construction of roads and other developments” remarked Rio. He asked all land owners to be willing to part with their land for all round development.

While acknowledging that unlike other states, the land belongs to the people in Nagaland, Rio said the government is trying its best “to negotiate, to please or to compensate” the land owners. “You should get due respect and recognition, but don’t obstruct, otherwise we will be facing problems’” firmly stated Rio.

‘Keep city clean’
The Chief Minister also expressed his desire for the citizens to keep their city clean stating “this should be our responsibility. We are stakeholders.”

He went on to state that people should not complain to the government that the town is dirty as every individual is responsible to build Nagaland, and that the onus doesn’t solely lie with the government.

Encouraging the people to replace old shacks, pig sties etc, Rio maintained: “anything you do, however small it might be, it should be presentable and respectable.”

With the state on the threshold of the Hornbill Festival and Christmas season, Rio extended his greetings. “I pray to God that peace prevail in our land, unity and cooperation to the government, so that we build good roads, infrastructure and give the opportunity for the younger generation to compete with the world and live as a proud Naga and citizens of Nagaland.”

Four lane bridge journey
Highlighting how construction of the bridge began, Principal Secretary, Works & Housing, Menukhol John expressed delight that the state got its first RCC four lane bridge constructed by the State PWD.

He recounted that in 2015 during the month of July and August, the debris brought by the heavy rains had completely blocked the water passage of the cross drain culvert on the river leading to huge collection of water upstream.

Owing to this the road surface had to be cut across to allow flow of water downstream, which on the other hand had cut-off the road leading to the Capital Complex and beyond.

“An alternative sub-way upstream of the river was constructed by the department and the sub-way was opened to traffic on the November 30, 2015,” he informed, adding that thereafter, construction of the permanent four-lane RCC Arch Bridge along Sanuoru was proposed.

In view of the inconveniences caused to the road users along the sub-way, John said “it was decided that the contractors should concentrate for completion of the two-lane portion first and open to the traffic. Works for the remaining two lane portion and the ancillary works continued in full earnest throughout this year and the bridge is fully functional, exactly after one year.”