DC Kohima, B Henok Buchem, with officials during the DPR presentation on the rehabilitation of existing bridges on May 14. (DIPR Photo)
Package-III 90% complete, to open by July 2026
Kohima, May 15 (MExN): A Project Monitoring Group (PMG) meeting was held in Kohima on May 14 to review the progress of ongoing highway projects under the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL), with officials reporting physical progress ranging from 26% to nearly 90% on different packages of the four-lane Kohima-Dimapur corridor.
As per the DIPR report, chaired by Deputy Commissioner Kohima, B Henok Buchem, NCS, the meeting at his office chamber assessed the progress of four-lane highway works, tunnel construction, and traffic management. The meeting brought together Revenue Officer Kohima, and other district administration officials, NHIDCL representatives, contractors, consultants and stakeholders to assess the progress of four-lane highway works, tunnel construction and traffic management along the Kohima-Dimapur corridor.
NHIDCL informed that Package-I have achieved around 26% physical progress, while Package-II has reached approximately 43% progress in the Kohima sector. Package-III road works have reportedly achieved nearly 90% completion and are expected to be opened for traffic movement by July 2026.
Tunnel construction remained a key focus, with separate contracts being executed for major tunnel sections. The push technology tunnel at Chainage 157 has crossed 50% progress and is targeted for completion by December 2026, while tunnel sections at Chainages 153 and 156 are expected to be completed by June 2027, NHIDCL officials informed the meeting.
Officials also noted that GSB, WMM, and DBM works are progressing in various stretches, while temporary diversions, culverts, and drainage improvements are being undertaken to ensure smoother traffic movement during the monsoon. Issues related to sinking zones, landslides, compensation, and tunnel-affected areas were deliberated upon, with the district administration and NHIDCL stressing the need for coordination to avoid delays.
NHIDCL further informed that an 81-metre bridge has been proposed and its Detailed Project Report (DPR) completed. A consolidated DPR covering the Dimapur-Kohima corridor, including slope protection and alignment improvements, is expected to be submitted to the Ministry by June or July for approval.
Separately, a DPR presentation on rehabilitation of existing bridges, construction of new bridges, slope protection, and landslide mitigation measures along the Kohima–Mao Road (NH-02) was also held under the chairmanship of DC Kohima. The meeting was attended by officials from the Sub-Divisional Office (Civil) Jakhama, NPWD (R&B) South Division, NPWD (NH) Kohima, NHIDCL Regional Office Kohima, consultants, and members of the Southern Angami Public Organization.
Consultants highlighted that advanced investigations, including LiDAR surveys, drone radar imaging, slope stability studies, and subsurface investigations, have been carried out at critical locations. Bridge condition assessments revealed that out of six existing bridges, four are in poor condition and proposed for replacement with wider-span bridges, while additional new bridges are planned in vulnerable stretches.
Proposed engineering interventions include reinforced soil structures using geogrid and geocell technology, drainage enhancement through geocomposite layers, gabion retaining walls with anchor systems, soil nailing, and slope stabilization techniques. Several sharp curves and accident-prone stretches were also reviewed, with road widening and curve improvement works proposed where feasible, considering habitation areas, land acquisition concerns, and existing structures.
During the interaction, officials raised concerns about private constructions close to vulnerable landslide areas and sought clarifications on specialized slope protection mechanisms for highly unstable stretches where conventional retaining walls may not suffice.
DC Buchem urged officials and implementing agencies to adopt a humane and people-centric approach while dealing with affected residents and the public during execution of the proposed infrastructure works.
