Dimapur, March 8, 2026 — The Nagaland Foothills Road Construction Committee (NFHRCC) has urged the State Government and the PWD (Roads & Bridges) to issue the second-phase work order for the remaining divisions of the Foothills Road project, reminding authorities of an ultimatum from 13 Dimapur-based tribal hohos that set March 31, 2026 as the deadline for an open tender. The committee said there is “yet, there is no indication from the concerned Department of any response up till now.”
In a press release, the NFHRCC warned tribal bodies to prepare for action if the government fails to respond by the deadline. The committee said it had “diligently… urged upon the Tribal HOHOs to gear up mentally, emotionally, financially and strategically ready to go for any democratic form of protest in the event of the Government failing to keep the 2 Lane Foothills Road construction initiatives alive.”
The NFHRCC also highlighted public investment already made in the project, stating that “the Government of Nagaland had already infused about Rs.248.5 Crores inclusive of the ongoing 1st Phase SASCI Loan Scheme of Rs.148.5 Cr.”
Launched in 2013 as a people’s initiative, the Foothills Road is described by the committee as a “mega project” spanning 395.9 km from Tizit in Mon District to Khelma in Paren district, passing through eight districts and more than 200 villages. The committee said the scale and local reach make timely continuation critical for regional connectivity and development.
During the initial phase, the NFHRCC said it worked with the NPWD and tribal hohos to secure land and clearances. It noted that an NOC for 40 ft land was obtained without compensation from landowners and a tax exemption from the NNPGs in 2013, after which “a requisite alignment in all sectors was finalised.” The committee added that original NOCs from tribal hohos were handed to Chief Minister Dr. Neiphiu Rio in 2018 at his request.
The State Government has opted to build the two-lane Foothills Road in phases under the SASCI loan scheme. The NFHRCC quoted officials saying the project, undertaken under the loan scheme, was planned “to be completed by 2027,” and that the first phase of construction is nearing completion.
Stressing the road’s importance, the committee said that “for the last more than 60 years of Nagaland Statehood, the Nagas are yearning for a survival road for all round developments as road is the mother of development.” It appealed to the government to focus on completing the ongoing two-lane construction under SASCI before pursuing a four-lane upgrade under the National Highways framework, adding that “the ongoing two-lane road construction under SASCI shouldn’t be mixed with or confused with a four lane road under MoRTH (NH Act.).”
Original Source: https://www.morungexpress.com/nfhrcc-reminds-government-on-2nd-phase-work-order
Category: Nagaland
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Publish Date: 2026-03-08 22:48:00
