Morung Express News
Kohima | March 21
Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio today said that the Trans Nagaland Highway, also known as the Foothill Road, has “taken a backseat because of fund constraints.” Rio also said that there were some delays due to the border issues.
Addressing the debate on the motion of thanks to the Governor’s address during the Assembly session on Monday, Rio said that the foothill area of Nagaland starting from Tizit-Dimapur-Silchar is very important as the area is a ‘rice bowl and mineral rich.’
He informed the House that the state government has pleaded with the central government to declare the road as a National Highway. This matter, he said, needs the approval of the Prime Minister and works are in progress as NHIDCL has been engaged for operation and started the survey.
He informed that the Doyang Bridge is nearing completion, and the tendering process for the road is completed. Work order has been issued and money has been deposited, he added.
Rio said that he has given directions that earth cutting should be completed before the monsoon season. He assured that even if there is delay from the central government, the state government is ready to give more funds from any agency in order to build the road and make it pliable.
“For a long time, though I have given funds for the bridge and road, they just completed the tendering process and this waste of working season also gone by which is regretted,” Rio said. He also said that he met with the Chief Engineer for Roads & Bridges, and it is moving in a fast pace.
