Patton responds to queries on NH-702A, NH-2 and Foothill road projects

Our Correspondent
Kohima, Aug. 13 (EMN): The deputy chief minister of Nagaland, Y Patton, who also holds the charge of Home, Roads and Bridges, and National Highways, said that the final alignment for construction of two-lane National Highway (NH-702A) from Zunheboto to Mokokchung will be finalised only after the feasibility study report is submitted by the consultant, and approved by the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highway.

Replying to a starred question at the sixth session of the 13th Nagaland Legislative Assembly, Patton maintained that presently, PWD (NH) is maintaining the existing National Highway road (single-lane) from Zunheboto to Mokokchung (53 km) via eastern alignment, Akuluto-Aizuto-Awotsakili-Kitsakita, in view of the shorter distance.

He stated that out of 53 km, 19 km is undergoing periodical repair; letter of acceptance for strengthening of 10.6 km was issued on July 27; and periodical repair of 23.46 km was done in 2018, and 'defect liability' was stated to have been completed.

He also informed that the western alignment, Akuluto-Atoizu (KPA)-Kitsakita, is in the process of being handed over to PWD (Roads and Bridges).

In response to another starred question regarding the section of NH-2 touching Wokha town, Patton said that the ministry of Road Transport and Highways had, on January 9, sanctioned for ‘widening of existing single/intermediate lane road to two-lane from km 72.40 to km 83.00 on NH-2 on EPC mode’.

He however, maintained that finalisation of tender could not be completed due to lockdown. He informed that the tender for the work is scheduled to be completed in the month of August.

Foothill road

Meanwhile, Patton also stated while replying to a starred question that the construction of foothill road was discontinued ‘since funding under SPA is discontinued’.

He informed that the proposal to the ministry of Road Transport and Highways for taking up the project under National Highways has been submitted; and the decision is still pending.

He further informed that completion of the road will depend on the funding.