A high-level meeting, chaired by Nagaland’s Deputy Chief Minister and Minister in charge of Planning & Transformation and National Highways, was held on 16 October 2024 at the Nagaland Civil Secretariat Conference Hall to address key issues concerning national highways in the state. The discussions focused on reviewing the observations made by the Ministry of Road Transport & National Highways on various highway projects in Nagaland. A review meeting has been scheduled with Union Minister Nitin Gadkari on October 21-22, 2024 in New Delhi to address these concerns.
Preparations for the upcoming 25th edition of the Hornbill Festival were also a major point of discussion. The Deputy Chief Minister emphasized the importance of ensuring smooth traffic flow, particularly on NH-29, as it is the main route for tourists and dignitaries attending the festival. Concerns were raised by NHIDCL and NH (NPWD) about delays in road construction caused by continuous rain, but the Deputy Chief Minister and the Commissioner & Secretary for Works and Housing firmly rejected the possibility of extending deadlines. They insisted that the work must be completed by the end of October, as tourist inflow is expected by mid-November.
The Works & Housing Department has since reminded all implementing agencies to carry out necessary maintenance and repairs. The Public Works Department (Roads & Bridges) was also instructed to ensure that bypass roads are in good condition to handle any unexpected issues.
Additionally, unresolved land compensation issues affecting the NH-202 project were discussed. The Commissioner & Secretary for Land Revenue was directed to finalize the land rates for districts along NH-202, which will be submitted to the state government for approval, allowing the project to move forward with the Ministry.
The meeting was attended by senior officials, including Commissioner & Secretary Kesonyu Yhome, IAS, Commissioner & Secretary Dr. Zasekuolie Chusi, NHIDCL Executive Director (Projects) RP Singh, Chief Engineer NH (NPWD) MZ Akho, and other administrative officers.