NFHRCC Presses PWD for Timely Completion of Nagaland Foothills Road Project

Kohima: The Nagaland Foothills Road Coordination Committee (NFHRCC) has called on the Public Works Department (Roads & Bridges) to urgently enforce deadlines for the ongoing Foothills Road project, as 17 contracts are set to expire in December 2025.

During its meeting, the committee assessed the project’s progress and passed multiple resolutions to accelerate delayed works and enhance accountability in execution.

In a statement released by its Media Cell, the NFHRCC emphasised, “We have once again strongly urged the NPWD (R&B) to ensure that contractor firms responsible for the 17 work orders issued last year complete their assignments within the stipulated timeline, as per the agreements signed with the state government.”

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The committee also demanded the immediate finalisation of the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the second phase under the SASCI Loan Scheme to cover the remaining stretches of the two-lane road.

Reiterating its long-standing position, the NFHRCC insisted that the state government prioritise full completion of the current two-lane construction before pursuing National Highway status with the central government.

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To promote transparency and local participation, the committee advocated for an open tender system for remaining works and proposed limiting each contractor to 10–15 km of roadwork based on merit. This, it said, would “empower young, qualified Naga entrepreneurs while ensuring efficiency and fairness.”

The NFHRCC further revealed that it has repeatedly sought a meeting with the Chief Minister since November 2022 to discuss the project’s future, but no response has been received. The lack of high-level engagement, it warned, continues to hinder resolution of critical issues.

Describing the Foothills Road as a vital lifeline for Nagaland, the committee highlighted its role in connecting multiple districts without reliance on routes through Assam, while boosting inter-district trade, transport, and accessibility.