The Nagaland government has finalized the alignment of National Highway 702 (NH-702) after years of competing proposals, but questions remain over the fate of NH-702D, which continues to face delays and indecision despite its strategic importance.
A high-level meeting chaired by Deputy Chief Minister TR Zeliang brought together legislators, officials from the Nagaland government, NHIDCL, BRO, Assam Rifles and representatives of the Konyak Union. The meeting agreed to adopt alignment option 3, described as technically superior. To address concerns over a 19 km stretch bypassed by the new alignment, it was decided that the Border Roads Organisation would take up maintenance work on the road.
Describing the outcome as a “win-win” for all parties, Zeliang appealed for cooperation from the public and stakeholders to ensure the project’s smooth execution.
While NH-702 moves forward, the position of NH-702D remains uncertain. The last official update came during the August 2024 session of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly, where the Minister in-charge, TR Zeliang informed the House that preparation of a Detailed Project Report (DPR) had been initiated. Since then, no further progress has been reported publicly.
Sources indicate that the DPR for five alternative realignment options was prepared but faced repeated rejections.
The road in question is the Mokokchung–Mariani stretch, particularly from Chungtiayimsen (66 km) to Longjongkong (30 km). The existing 36 km route cannot be widened due to steep gradients and soil instability, while Changki village lies precariously above the alignment, raising safety concerns.
The PWD (National Highways) has already surveyed for realignment of the road and proposed five options:
Option-I: Existing 36 km route. The gradient needs rectification, the topography is difficult, and soil stability is prone to sliding.
Option-II: Realignment from Mekokla Junction to X-Junction, extending the distance to 46 km.
Option-III: Realignment from Longnak to X-Junction, 36 km. Gradient and topography are manageable, and the soil is stable.
Option-IV: Realignment from Watiyim to Longjongkong via Mangkolemba, reducing the distance to 26.5 km. Gradient and topography are manageable.
Option-V: Realignment from Watiyim to north of Mangkolemba town, crossing Mongchen and Khar villages, measuring 43 km.
In 2022, the government cited demerits of Option-2 but nevertheless instructed a team to ascertain its feasibility. In February 2022, the team reported that Option-2 was feasible and that the road length could be reduced to 32 km, compared to the earlier proposed 46 km.
Four months later, the government constituted a High-Level Technical Team to re-survey the feasibility of all alignment options.
Meanwhile, the Ao Senden reiterated its position in favor of executing Option-IV, as proposed by the PWD (NH) to the state government. The All Ward Union Mokokchung Town (AWUMT), Mangkolemba Sub-Division CSOs and also the three ranges – Jangpetkong, Japukong and Tzürangkong CSOs has also endorsed Ao Senden’s stand, supporting Option-IV (Watiyim–Longjemdang–Mangkolemba–Khar–Longjongkong).
Great to see NH-702 finally getting the green signal! It’s a vital step toward improving connectivity in the Northeast and boosting regional trade and tourism. However, it’s equally important to address the status of NH-702D, which also holds strategic importance for defense and commerce. As infrastructure in India evolves, international travel and logistics support will be more crucial than ever. For travelers flying to India from the U.S., the Turkish Airlines Houston Office offers reliable assistance with bookings, flight changes, and support services. Visit airticketoffices.com to connect with the Turkish Airlines Houston Office and ensure smooth international travel as India’s infrastructure expands.