A high-level meeting chaired by the Deputy Chief Minister of Nagaland, TR Zeliang, has finalized the alignment of the crucial National Highway 702 (NH-702), which will connect Longleng, Longching, Mon, and Tizit.
The meeting, convened to resolve the contest between Option 1, Option 2, and Option 3 of the proposed alignments, was attended by key stakeholders including MLAs Manpon Konyak, Nyemnyei Konyak, and Naiba Konyak; the Commissioner & Secretary of Works & Housing; Chief Engineers of NH and R&B; the Executive Director (P) of NHIDCL; and the Inspector General of Assam Rifles (North) [IGAR (N)], who also serves as the Chairman of the Border Roads Network Action Plan (BRNAP). Representatives from the Konyak Union (KU) and other officials were also present.
After thoroughly reviewing the technical report and recommendation provided by NHIDCL, which favored Alignment Option 3, the meeting reached a consensus to adopt the new alignment as the most technically superior route.
Addressing concerns about road connectivity for villages along the existing 19-km stretch that would be bypassed by the new alignment, the Deputy Chief Minister issued a strategic directive to the Chairman of BRNAP, IGAR (N), to convene a special committee comprising the BRO, NHIDCL, and PWD. The committee has been tasked with recommending that the 19-km stretch be taken up by the BRO for dedicated maintenance and upkeep.
Download Nagaland Tribune app on Google Play
Zeliang described the decision as a “win-win for progress and inclusivity”, noting that while the adoption of Option 3 ensures a robust, modern road infrastructure, entrusting the BRO with maintenance of the old stretch guarantees that no village is left behind and that all citizens continue to enjoy reliable connectivity.
He also appealed to the attending MLAs and the Konyak Union to communicate the technical rationale of the decision to local stakeholders, in order to foster cooperation and ensure the timely, unimpeded execution of the NHIDCL project.
The meeting concluded with a unanimous agreement to proceed with the decided plan, underlining that strategic projects like NH-702 are pivotal to strengthening connectivity and improving the quality of life for the people of Nagaland.
