NH-702D, commonly known as the Mokokchung-Mariani road, is a total stretch of 63 km and serves as the lifeline for about six districts. However, it continues to deteriorate, raising concerns among the public, commuters, and especially drivers of trucks carrying essential commodities.
This National Highway is currently under Project Management Consultancy (PMC) Services for Feasibility Study and Detailed Engineering for Widening to a 2-lane road with paved shoulders. Back in September 2023, the Executive Engineer of PWD (NH) Mokokchung informed that the investigation by the PMC is reportedly ongoing, and the PMC is expected to submit the report by January 2024.
On the same day, the Executive Engineer informed that while the PMC project (2-lane) is ongoing, for the interim period, the Nagaland PWD (NH) has submitted a Short Term Maintenance Contract (STMC) DPR in the hope that, while the 2-lane construction is pending approval, the STMC can oversee the maintenance work.
In a follow-up to this pending development, Mokokchung Times learned from the Executive Engineer of PWD (NH) Mokokchung, Er Lima, on 1 February 2024, that the investigation under PMC is ongoing and that the report, which was set to be submitted in January 2024, has been extended to February 2024.
“The Geological survey team requested us for some more time because there were some technical issues; therefore, we have extended it but the report will probably be submitted by the 2nd week of February. That is our aim. The department, including our Chief Engineer, is also looking forward to getting this done quickly.”
The geological survey team led by David Lhoupenyi has been investigating to understand why landslides are happening and will be determining ways to prevent further landslide/subsidence in the affected areas.
It was informed that there are around six sinking areas in Mokokchung where landslides occur, out of which two critical areas—the site below Assam Rifles camp in Mongsenbai ward near Sewak Gate and the other site located below Chungtia village—have been selected for investigation in the DPR.
The Engineer further said that regarding PMC (2 lane project), they also had a meeting in Kohima with the Deputy Chief Minister on 29 and 30 January and also a virtual meeting with RO regarding the PMC project, adding that they want to speed up the PMC project (2-lane road).
He further mentioned that land compensation will be included for the PMC project (2-lane road) along the NH-702D and seek cooperation between the landowners, citizens of Mokokchung, the department, and everyone involved.
Speaking on the Short Term Maintenance Contract taken up by the Nagaland PWD (NH), Er Lima said that the tender for this has already been released and is under the evaluation process.
The Short Term Maintenance Contract (STMC) aims to make the road motorable when the PMC project is pending. The STMC DPR is limited only to gravel, base, and protection work and will not include bituminous paving, i.e., black topping.
“Though it is a small project, the modalities and all are the same as big projects, so it will take a little time. They’ll have to sign the contract agreement and submit bank guarantees in two parts and so on. So, there are many technical issues, so these things will take time,” added Er Lima.