KOHIMA: The Gauhati High Court’s Kohima Bench has introduced new directives to facilitate the repair and progress of the Dimapur-Kohima highway, which was damaged by landslides.
While hearing a suo moto PIL on Wednesday, a bench comprising Justices Parthivjyoti Saikia and Budi Habung assessed the progress of work carried out by various parties, including the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd. (NHIDCL), contractors, and state authorities.
The court directed the contractor, M/S Maccaferri Infrastructure Pvt. Ltd., to file an affidavit reaffirming their commitment to completing the work outlined in their previous submissions. The court instructed another respondent, M/S Innovative Construction, to submit a detailed plan addressing traffic management, safety measures, and available resources within two weeks.
The Deputy Commissioner of Chümoukedima was also directed to file an affidavit detailing the actions taken to acquire land for expanding the riverbank at chainage 126 (Pagala Pahar, New Chümoukedima) and clearing debris at chainage 141.200 near Pherima village, where a landslide had occurred.
The court acknowledged the appointment of M/S Quinker Enterprises as the contractor tasked with restoring the damaged KMC road stretch and clearing landslides. The company has been added as a respondent in the case and is required to submit regular progress updates.
Observing that work has already started on a new bridge at chainage 165 in the Dzüdza area, the court directed M/S Brand Eagles, one of the contractors, to begin the construction of the Bailey Steel Bridge at chainage 155 without any further delay.
The court emphasized the need for smooth traffic flow and reminded the Chief Engineer of PWD (NH), Nagaland, to maintain the roads properly. It also told the Deputy Commissioner of Kohima to quickly remove debris from chainage 161 at Dzüdza.
