Dimapur, 5 July (MTNews): The National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) has expressed its condolences and regrets over the tragic road accident that occurred on 4 July in Nagaland. “We regret that such an accident occurred despite our continuous efforts to maintain all the necessary road safety measures,” NHIDCL stated in a press release.
The NHIDCL provided some background information on the Dimapur-Kohima Road, also known as NH-29, stating that it was handed over from the Border Roads Organization (BRO) to NHIDCL in November 2016 for the development of a 4-lane highway. The progress of work in both Packages-1 and 2 is reported to be above 99%, with only minor works remaining to be completed. The specific location of the incident was in the “Pagala Pahar” stretch, spanning from km 123.840 to km 129.000. The cutting work in this stretch was carried out in 2018-19, and vegetation has since developed on the slopes, NHIDCL informed.
NHIDCL also highlighted that various Special Slope Protection measures including slope stabilization measures like Coir mat with hydroseeding, rock netting with 3D Steel Mesh, Rock barriers, Rock Bolting and Vetiver grass plantation were done in the given portion. The point where the rock fall happened had been stable since 2019-20 and slope Protection work of up to 30-35 m height has been done at some points along the stretch by NHIDCL, it informed.
It further said that, according to site reports, there was ongoing clearance of a muck slide at Km 124.500, with vehicles waiting when the rockfall incident took place. “Swift action was ensured by NHIDCL and Machineries (JCB, loader), Manpower and Ambulance reached within 15 minutes and immediate medical assistance was also provided,” NHIDCL claimed.
The NHIDCL emphasizes that the safety and well-being of all citizens and travelers have always been its primary responsibility. In light of the incident, the NHIDCL has pledged to send a technical team comprising experts to conduct a thorough investigation into the reasons for the incident and study the landslides and geology of the area. The team’s objective is to provide recommendations for remedial measures that can prevent such incidents from occurring in the future.
The NHIDCL stated that ensuring safety and well-being of all citizens and travelers has always been its primary responsibility.
“To ascertain the reasons for the incident and a proper study of the landslides and geology of the area, NHIDCL is sending a Technical Team including experts for suggestions of remedial measures so that such incidents can be prevented in future,” it added.