NFHRCC officials and others during the inspection of the ongoing two-lane work at Lapa Lampong PMGSY Road Junction to Sufry Bridge under Tizit Sub Division in Mon on November 29. (Morung Photo)
Project extended by four months
Morung Express News
Tizit | November 30
The Nagaland Foothills Road Coordination Committee (NFHRCC) on November 29 conducted an on-site inspection of the ongoing two-lane extension and 40 ft expansion works along the Lapa Lampong PMGSY Road Junction to Sufry Bridge under Tizit Sub Division in Mon district.
The inspection team comprised officials from the NFHRCC, Konyak Union, Konyak Union Tizit Unit, SDO (C) Tizit, the Executive Engineer of the concerned department and the contractor of the project.
Following the visit, NFHRCC Convener Supu Jamir said the work was “satisfactory but slow,” appreciating the quality of construction but noting that progress remained below expectations.**
He also noted that the machinery presently deployed at the site was “less,” prompting the contractor to clarify that half of the machinery was engaged in supply and logistical support for the same project.
Jamir urged the contractor to accelerate the work, stating that all stakeholders must approach the project with commitment. He appealed for clear and consistent coordination between the contractor and the Konyak Union to facilitate smoother implementation and timely progress.
The contractor, Hepta Wangnao, acknowledged the delays, attributing them primarily to the monsoon season when heavy machinery frequently got stuck and lighter equipment could not operate on the terrain.
He added that work was further halted for 20 to 25 days in September due to border issues, particularly because essential materials were sourced through Assam.
Wangnao explained that the initial phase of construction was especially challenging due to the need to fill parts of the Charcoal Mining Area, which contained water with no clearly traceable source due to the absence of a proper drainage system.
“No matter how much land we filled in that area, it kept getting sucked into the water,” he said. According to him, this was one of the main causes of delay, but the issue has now been fully resolved.
With the most difficult portion of the work completed, he assured that progress will be smoother going forward and reaffirmed that the project will be completed by March. He also emphasised that the work would not be rushed at the cost of quality. The construction officially commenced on February 2, 2025.
During the inspection, the contractor requested an extension of the original completion deadline from December 18, 2025, to March 31, 2026. After a brief discussion, the NFHRCC agreed to extend the timeline as sought.
Executive Engineer Chinglang Konyak informed that the project covers a 20.4 km stretch from the Lapa Lampong PMGSY Road Junction to Sufry Bridge, and that approximately 30% of the work has been completed so far.
Speaking at the inspection, Konyak Union President Yamao Konyak assured that the union would cooperate with the contractor to ensure timely completion. He said the union will continue to monitor the work periodically and expressed full support for both the contractor and the NFHRCC.
Noting that Konyak areas have long suffered due to the absence of alternative roads, he thanked the government for initiating the project and expressed hope for more development initiatives in the future.
Convener Jamir informed that the project is being implemented under the Department of Roads and Bridges, Nagaland, with a total allocation of Rs 148.5 crore for Phase I under the Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI) of the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India. A total of 17 work orders have been issued under this phase.
Formed in 2013 by the Apex Tribal Hohos to oversee the foothills road projects, the NFHRCC comprises 14 apex tribal bodies: Ao, Konyak, Phom, Lotha, Sumi, Zeliang, Kuki, Chakhesang, Yimkhiung, Chang, Sangtam, Khiamniungan, Tikhir and Rengma.
The foothills road initiative has widely come to be known as a “People’s Project” due to voluntary land contributions and tax exemptions facilitated through negotiations between landowners and Naga political groups.
