NHIDCL mum on troubled road project, citing court case, says Nagaland Deputy CM

KOHIMA — Nagaland Deputy Chief Minister and in-charge of National Highway, TR Zeliang, claimed that the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) has refused to disclose documents related to the Kohima-Mao Gate road project, citing ongoing litigation.

Responding to queries raised by Independent MLA Kevipodi Sophie during the ongoing Nagaland Legislative Assembly session on Tuesday, Zeliang stated that the department had, on several occasions, requested NHIDCL to provide crucial documents, including the Detailed Project Report (DPR), contract agreement and other relevant information. However, the NHIDCL responded that the matter is subjudice and it is unable to share any documents at this stage.

Additionally, the state government-appointed Fact Finding Technical Committee, tasked with examining the Kohima-Mao Gate (NH-2/A/1) road construction from Lerie to Mao Gate, has yet to receive a response to their request for project-related documents.

Furthermore, he clarified that the reconstruction of the two-lane road falls within the existing right of way.

He said that a suo moto Public Interest Litigation (PIL) concerning the project is being heard by the Gauhati High Court Kohima Bench. However, the contractor recently filed a special leave petition in the Supreme Court, further complicating the legal situation.

Raising the issue on the floor of the House, MLA Sophie said the stretch between Lerie to Mao Gate has gone from “bad to worse” after NHIDCL took over the project.

He pointed out that the road, awarded to M/s Fortune Group in 2020 with an initial completion deadline of April 22, 2022, has seen multiple delays. Despite a 314-day extension, pushing the deadline to March 2, 2023, the road remains in a deplorable state. He said that there are frequent vehicle breakdowns on this stretch and landslides caused by inadequate drainage maintenance, as well as significant delays affecting students trying to reach their schools and colleges.

“Ambulances are unable to pass through, despite repeated sirens, leaving sick individuals and pregnant women without timely medical care. It is worth noting that the road has gone from bad to worse after it was taken over by NHIDCL,” he said, urging the state government to review its agreement with the central government and take corrective actions to address these pressing issues.