The Nagaland Public Works Department (Roads & Bridges) on Thursday issued a detailed response to claims raised by the Nagaland Foothills Road Coordination Committee (NFHRCC) on 6 April regarding the Foothills Road project. The NPWD also provided a series of photographic evidence highlighting the ongoing work and corrective measures.
The committee had threatened to lock the PWD office in Dimapur Division from 15 April if second-phase work orders were not issued. In response, the Department stated that work orders can only be issued after proper approval from the State Government, which is currently pending. The Department assured it would act immediately once approvals are in place.
Regarding landowners’ No-Objection Certificates (NOCs), the Department acknowledged their issuance but noted that the NOCs were for 10 to 12 meters only, whereas standard two-lane road development, including carriageways, shoulders, utility corridors, and other essential components, requires a wider Right of Way (RoW). After a meeting on 7 April, a proposal for 15 meters RoW free of cost is now under consideration, with further action pending consensus and approval from the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH).
On allegations of sub-standard work under Baghty Division, the Department clarified that cracks on the head wall of a Hume Pipe Culvert were caused by overloaded private mining vehicles before the curing period. The affected portions have been rectified, and the Department cited the heavy vehicle movement along Doyang river banks as unavoidable due to local livelihoods.
The Department refuted claims of Rs 400 crore administrative approval for the second phase, stating no such sanction was recorded. On concerns about government focus on four-laning the Foothills Road before two-laning completion, the Department said it is exploring long-term development options, including potential central funding, but is pursuing a practical approach mindful of local concerns.
Addressing deficiencies in the Detailed Project Report (DPR), particularly the shortage of Hume and slab culverts, the NPWD said DPRs were prepared based on site conditions at the time of survey. Any gaps found during execution will be rectified through technical measures, it added.
On the extension of time for contractors JK Construction and Chabou & Co. to 30 April 2026, the NPWD said it was granted after reviewing delay factors, including heavy vehicle movement and necessary repairs.
Regarding the Minister’s moral assurance to resign if the project fails, the NPWD clarified it pertained only to works sanctioned under Rs 148.50 crore SASCI, not the entire Foothills Road project.
Finally, the Department addressed NFHRCC concerns over deductions, asserting that apart from statutory deductions, no other deductions are being made from any works.
