Deputy CM TR Zeliang and other officials during the meeting on August 28.
Dimapur, August 28 (MExN): A high-level meeting chaired by Nagaland Deputy Chief Minister TR Zeliang on August 28 culminated in the finalization of the alignment of National Highway 702 (NH-702), connecting Longleng, Longching, Mon and Tizit.
The meeting was convened to resolve the alignment contest between Option No. 1, Option No. 2 and Option No. 3. It was attended by MLAs Manpon Konyak, Nyemnyei Konyak and Naiba Konyak, the Commissioner and Secretary of Works and Housing, Chief Engineers of NH and R&B, the Executive Director (P) of the National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL), and the Inspector General of Assam Rifles (North) [IGAR (N)], who also serves as Chairman of the Border Roads Network Action Plan (BRNAP). Representatives from the Konyak Union (KU) and a host of officials were also present.
After reviewing the technical report and recommendation of NHIDCL, which favored Alignment Option No. 3, consensus was reached to proceed with the route described as technically superior.
To address concerns about connectivity for villages along the existing 19 km stretch that would be bypassed by the new alignment, the Deputy Chief Minister issued a directive to the Chairman of BRNAP, IGAR (N), to convene a special meeting of a committee comprising the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), NHIDCL, and the State Public Works Department (PWD). The committee has been tasked with recommending that the 19 km stretch be taken up by BRO for dedicated maintenance and upkeep.
Deputy CM Zeliang remarked, “This decision is a win-win for progress and inclusivity. By adopting the technically feasible Option 3 for the new highway, we ensure a robust, modern road infrastructure. Simultaneously, by entrusting the BRO with the maintenance of the existing road, we guarantee that no village is left behind and that all citizens continue to enjoy reliable connectivity.”
He also appealed to the attending MLAs and the Konyak Union to communicate the technical rationale behind the decision to local stakeholders, “fostering a collaborative environment to ensure the timely and unimpeded execution of the NHIDCL project.”
The meeting concluded with a unanimous agreement to move forward with the decided plan. According to the Deputy Chief Minister’s office, “Strategic projects like NH-702 are pivotal to achieving the goal of good connectivity and improving the quality of life for the people of Nagaland.”
