On November 15, TR Zeliang, the Deputy Chief Minister and head of Planning & Transformation for National Highways, gave an overview of the developments and obstacles in Nagaland’s national highway construction. In order to evaluate the state of the current roads, examine ongoing National Highway projects, and resolve land acquisition issues preventing advancement, Zeliang traveled about 750 kilometers through six districts with the Chief Engineer of National Highways and other officials.
Speaking to reporters at his home, the Deputy Chief Minister stated that his team met with village chiefs, tribal councils, Deputy Commissioners (DCs), and community members to discuss issues pertaining to compensation and land purchase. Zeliang gave an explanation of the reasoning behind the tour itinerary, saying that the meeting was planned last month by the Deputy Commissioners whose district touched the National Highways. He said that the contractor made their own error by not adhering to the terms of the contract.
He claimed that because there was no other option for dealing with the contractor, the Department of National Highway, PWD, or NHIDCL immediately issued notice, terminated the contract, and blacklisted them. Zeliang added that they were there to persuade and raise awareness among all parties involved. Zeliang highlighted additional large-scale initiatives like the Eastern Highway and the Foothill Road, which are intended to enhance interconnectivity and link Nagaland’s border regions with nearby states.
