Zeliang updates status of NH-29 four lane works

DIMAPUR — While updating on the status of NH-29 four lane work between Dimapur and Kohima, the deputy chief minister and minister in-charge of PWD (National Highway), TR Zeliang, stated that 99.81% physical progress and 98.86% financial progress have been achieved under package-I (14.93 km), while package-II (13.71 km) has achieved 100% physical progress as of June 10, 2023. He also informed that 15.88% physical progress and 13.86% financial progress have been achieved under package-II (14.21 km).

Zeliang stated this in reply to an unstarred question raised by MLA Kuzholuzo Nienu on the first day of the fifth session of the 14th Nagaland Legislative Assembly in Kohima on Tuesday.

In regard to work issue order and the date of completion of 4-laning of Dimapur-Kohima road, Zeliang stated that under package-I, the appointed date was September 16, 2016 which was scheduled for completion on September 15, 2019. He, however, stated that it was likely for completion on December 31, 2024.

Under package-II, the appointed date was August 3, 2016, which was completed on June 10, 2023, while under package–III (a) the road works contracts were appointed on September 29, 2023 and is scheduled or likely to complete on September 28, 2025.

While the slope protection contract under package-III (b) was appointed on June 3, 2024, it is scheduled or likely to complete on June 2, 2025, he informed.

In regard to measures taken by the NHIDCL for public safety at NH- 29 Dimapur-Kohima road, Zeliang mentioned that under package-I (123.840 to 138.775 km measuring 14.93 km) protection measures undertaken in Pagla-Pahar stretch (123.840 to 129.000 km measuring 5.16 km) EPC contractor has constructed rock barrier–1200 Rm, rock netting with bolting–600 Rm, breast wall–500 Rm.

Further, owing to fragile geology of the stretch, NHIDCL had constituted an Independent Technical Expert Committee (ITEC) in July-2023 comprising of field experts and specialist from IIT Bombay to suggest suitable protection measures, he added.

Based on the report of ITEC, he stated that NHIDCL has undertaken slope protection measures at the location by engaging a separate contractor as immediate measures and has completed the following works which included MBCB in median-2430 Rm, Gabion wall–200 Rm, Breast wall–100 Rm.

Based on the same ITEC report, he stated that NHIDCL is engaging a DPR consultant to carry out detailed investigation of the strata of Dimapur-Kohima road to suggest suitable long term protection measures.

Zeliang stated that additional slope protection measures was proposed after the unfortunate July 2024 incident as temporary measure and added that NHIDCL is also planning to install additional slope protection measures in Pagla-Pahar stretch (5.16 km) such as rock netting with bolting/flexible rock barrier/MBCB on hill side.

Zeliang also mentioned that Dimapur-Kohima under Package-II (138.775 to 152.490 km measuring 13.71 km) has been declared complete in all respect as per contract provisions with effect from June 10, 2023.

The deputy chief minster also informed that the  Dimapur-Kohima under package-III (152.490 to 166.700 km measuring 14.21 km) the subject project has been further sub-divided into 4 numbers of packages out of which 2 projects have been awarded and under-construction and balance two are yet to be awarded as tender si in final stage.

On the road works contract under package-III (a), he informed that the contractor has been tasked to complete the balance road and bridge works and the project is slated to complete by September 2025.

For slope protection contract under Package-III (b), he informed that a specialised agency for slope protection works i.e., M/s Maccaferri Infrastructure Pvt. Ltd. has been mobilised to carry out slope protection works viz. Hydro-seeding with coir netting, rock netting, self-drilling anchors of 25mm/32mm dia, 3D steel reinforced monofilament erosion control mat, rhomboidal wire mesh etc.

He added that the NHIDCL is in the final stages of awarding the works for box cell viaduct by cast in situ method under Package-III (c) and box pushing method under package- III (d).

“The works will enhance complete protection of most vulnerable stretches in the subject stretch and will offer complete protection from any falling debris/rock falls,” he added.