Clarification on Statements made in the NFHRCC Press Release regarding the Foothill Road Project
The Department of Public Works (Roads & Bridges), Government of Nagaland, has taken note of the press release issued by the Nagaland Foothill Road Coordination Committee (NFHRCC) and wishes to place on record the correct factual position in response to the specific statements and assertions made therein.
1. On the Remark: “We Cannot Make Roads in the Sky”
The Hon’ble Chief Minister’s remark has been taken out of context. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), Government of India, had written to the State Government stipulating that a minimum Right of Way (RoW) of 30 metres, free from all encumbrances, must be provided before MoRTH could take up the Foothill Road as a National Highway. The response from landowners, local NGOs, and Tribal HOHOs had, however, been to offer only 12 metres of RoW free of cost. Since MoRTH’s conditions for funding the project were not being met and it was not within the State’s independent financial capacity to undertake this mega project, the Hon’ble Chief Minister’s remark was made in that specific context.
2. On Allegations of Political Interference in Contractor Selection
This allegation is without basis. All prescribed tender formalities were duly observed, and the work orders were awarded strictly on the basis of the qualifications, eligibility, and merit of the bidders. The selection process was transparent and in accordance with established procedures. The question of outside interference or recommendations influencing contractor selection does not arise.
The Show Cause Notices issued to M/S JK Construction and M/S Chabou & Co on 4th February 2026 were served precisely because the Department holds all contractors to firm standards of quality and timely execution.
3. On the Assurance of Completion by 2027 Under SASCI and the Demand for Second Phase Work Orders
The assurance given by the Hon’ble Minister, PWD (R&B) regarding completion of the Foothill Road under SASCI by 2027 pertains solely to the 1st Phase of the Foothill Road project, amounting to Rs 148.5 Crore. No commitment was made by the Minister with regard to the 2nd or any subsequent phase under the SASCI scheme. The demand for issuance of 2nd phase work orders under SASCI on the basis of that assurance is therefore not in accordance with what was actually stated.
4. On the Demand to Issue Second Phase Work Orders Under SASCI Instead of Pursuing Four-Lane Construction
It is pertinent to clarify that the Foothill Road project involves substantial cost that is beyond the financial capacity of the State to fund independently. However, despite these constraints, the State Government has released an amount of Rs 245.50 Crore till date without any funding from MoRTH, reflecting its firm commitment to the progress of this project. The State Government has therefore also been actively and consistently pursuing Central funding since 2013-14, as detailed below:
• A proposal was submitted to MoRTH, resulting in approval for a Feasibility Study and DPR on 5th September 2016. CE Testing Company was appointed on 30th March 2017. The DPR, initially for Dimapur to Tuli (205 km), was subsequently expanded to include Tizit to Tuli (68 km) and Jalukie to Athibung (18 km) following an appeal by the Hon’ble Chief Minister to the Union Minister on 14th July 2018.
• In 2022-23, the State proposed the road be taken up by NHIDCL under applicable Central funding.
• In August 2023, the project was proposed under PM Gati Shakti during the visit of the Prime Minister’s Economic Advisory Council to the State, following a meeting between the Hon’ble Chief Minister, the Minister PWD (R&B), and the Union Minister MoRTH, Shri Nitin Gadkari on 3rd August 2023.
• MoRTH communicated on 26th May 2025 that the Foothill Road can be declared a National Highway and developed only upon fulfillment of two conditions: (i) availability of a minimum 30-metre RoW, free from all encumbrances, along the entire proposed stretch; and (ii) all necessary forest and environmental clearances. Forest clearance has been issued for the entirety of the Foothill Road alignment. NOCs for RoW have been received from Mon, Longleng, Wokha, Niuland, and Chumoukedima Districts; however, these NOCs were issued for 12-metre RoW only, with compensation being claimed for land beyond that. NOCs from Mokokchung and Peren Districts are still awaited.
The process of obtaining NOCs for 30-metre RoW was initiated for the purpose of meeting MoRTH’s conditions for National Highway status and Central funding and not in connection with the 2nd phase of the SASCI project. The Government is accurately conveying to the public the conditions imposed by the Central Government that must be met before Central funding can be released.
Until all MoRTH conditions are fulfilled and the Foothill Road is taken up as a National Highway, the State Government will continue to actively explore all possible schemes for the construction of this road. No assurance was given that the 2nd phase would be taken up under SASCI specifically; however, the State Government is making every effort to secure funding for the 2nd phase under any suitable scheme.
The Government of Nagaland remains unequivocally committed to the completion of the Foothill Road and will pursue all available avenues, Central, State and otherwise. This project continues to be a priority for the Government and all actions taken are in furtherance of that goal.
The Department of Public Works (Roads & Bridges) is investing all available efforts and resources to ensure that the project progresses and is completed within the stipulated timeframe, and the Government is leaving no avenue unexplored. At the same time, it must be acknowledged in the interest of transparency that certain hindrances such as procedural requirements imposed by the Central Government, the securing of statutory clearances and logistical challenges inherent to the terrain are unavoidable in a project of this scale and complexity. These are not impediments of the Government’s making, but challenges that are being addressed with urgency and determination. The Department solicits the support and cooperation of all sections of society at this stage of the project and assures all stakeholders that the Foothill Road project will be pursued until this long-cherished road is delivered to the people of Nagaland.
Issued by:
Department of Public Works (Roads & Bridges)
Government of Nagaland.
