A meeting was convened under the Chairmanship of the Deputy Chief Minister, Minister In charge of Planning & Transformation and National Highway, on October 16 at the Nagaland Civil Secretariat Conference Hall to discuss on issues relating to National Highway in the State.  Two primary agendas were taken up in the meeting;

1. To discuss on the observations given by the Ministry of Road Transport & National Highway on various NH projects in the State, for which a review meeting has been called by the Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, on 21^st – 22^nd October 2024 at New Delhi.
2. A review of the agendas discussed on 11-09-2024, specifically on the preparedness of the Implementing departments on road sector for the upcoming 25^th Edition of Hornbill Festival.

Deputy Chief Minister stressed on the significance of having a free and smooth traffic during the peak season of festival, especially on NH-29, where most of the tourists and dignitaries from abroad would be travelling.  On certain stretches of the highway, NHIDCL and NH (NPWD) had raised reservation to complete the road within the timeframe as committed in the 11^th September meeting. They have cited incessant rain which has marred the progress of the work. However, Deputy Chief Minister and Commissioner & Secretary Works and Housing has categorically stated that extension of deadline is beyond question and unacceptable as inflow of tourists and dignitaries are anticipated by mid-November.

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Therefore, NHIDCL and NH (NPWD) have been directed to put in extra effort and ensure that the works on ground are expedited and completed by the end of October. Given the state is gearing up to celebrate the 25^th edition of the Hornbill festival with much pomp and gaiety where huge number of tourists, both local and from outside the State, are anticipated to visit, the commuters should be able to reach the Naga Heritage village without much trouble on the road due to landslide and other factors.

As follow up to the meeting, Works & Housing Department has also written a reminder to all the implementing department to immediately carry out all maintenance and repair works in their respective jurisdiction. R&B (NPWD) to ensure all bypass roads are well maintained for any eventualities.

On the sideline of the meeting, matters of Land Act was also discussed as the sanction for NH-202 has been pending in the Ministry due to unresolved Land Compensation issues. Commissioner & Secretary Land Revenue has been directed to put up the land rates for the districts through which NH-202 passes. Once approved by the State Government, the land rates would be incorporated in the DPR and sent to ministry for early sanction of the project.

The meeting was attended by Com & Secy. Kesonyu Yhome, IAS W&H, Com & Secy. Dr. Zasekuolie Chusi, NHIDCL ED (P) Kohima, RP Singh, Chief Engineer NH (NPWD) MZ Akho, Officers from the Administration and a host of other officers.