More slope protection measures to be implemented along NH-29: NHIDCL

October 1, 2023 22 Views No Comment

Morung Express News
Dimapur | Oct 1

Officials from the National Highways Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) during an inspection of the NH-29 highway along the ‘Pakala Pahar’ stretch on September 30 stated that more slop protection measures will be implemented at landslide prone locations once a Detailed Project Report (DPR) was submitted in this regard.

The Central team led by Managing Director of NHIDCL, Mahmood Ahmed flew from Delhi on September 29 and landed in Dimapur, following which extensive tours were made including the Dimapur bypass road, meeting with contractors and inspection of the Dimapur-Kohima four lane road.

This new visitation by the head of the government construction company comes after almost 3 months since the July 3 incident when a huge rockslide killed 2 persons, injured several others and led to the closure of the highway for several weeks.

Speaking to the media, Amarendra Narayan Singh, Executive Director (ED) (P) RO Kohima said that NHIDCL will be providing more slope protection measures once a DPR is submitted based on the findings of their Expert Committee. On being asked whether they had followed proper Indian Road Congress (IRC) guidelines he replied, “If it had not been followed, it will be followed.” Interestingly, Executive Director of NHIDCL, M Riten Kumar Singh who had also previously visited the same stretch had said contradictorily that “We have been executing the work based on central IRC guidelines.” This included providing slope protection measures, rock bolting and the like.

Meanwhile, the ED further revealed that sign boards will be placed along the road with names of the contractors and firms involved in the construction work.

Upon the completion of their inspection of the highway, Ahmed along with the other officials later met the Deputy Chief Minister, TR Zeliang at his official residence. Zeliang had also updated on his official Twitter (X) handle stating, “Held a brief meeting with the Managing Director of NHIDCL and ED (P) RO Kohima today at my official residence. Deliberated and shared concerns on a wide range of subjects concerning road development in the State. With better coordination and support between the NH (NPWD) and NHIDCL, works will progress in the right direction. We are confident that many works which have been under progress for years will be completed soon with quality.”

More inspections are expected to be undertaken on October 1, including the Kohima-Mao road, Kohima-Jessami road (package-I) and later a meeting with the Chief Secretary and Deputy CM.