Bhandari MLA Achumbemo Kikon inaugurates the Foothills Road stretch from Doyang Bridge to Merapani in Wokha
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WOKHA — The Foothills Road stretch from Doyang Bridge to the Merapani sector under the EE Baghty Division was formally inaugurated at Doyang Bridge on Saturday.
MLA and Chairman of the Sub-Divisional Planning and Development Board, Bhandari, Achumbemo Kikon, who is also the Secretary General of the Naga People's Front, attended the event as the special guest.
Addressing the gathering, Kikon noted that the project was completed within one year, three months, and two days in line with the specifications and work orders issued.
Expressing satisfaction over the quality of work, he highlighted the importance of the road as a vital route witnessing heavy traffic, with nearly 200 to 300 loaded commercial trucks plying daily. He cautioned that such movement could damage the present surface and appealed to business owners and transporters to share responsibility for its upkeep.
On the bridges, Kikon explained that separate firms executed the road and bridge works, adding that the bridges require a curing period before being opened to the public. While the road has been inaugurated, he informed that the bridges may take another month before the entire route becomes fully operational.
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Looking ahead, the MLA urged the government and the Department of Roads and Bridges (R&B) to provide additional funding for blacktopping works in the next phase, stressing that the single-layer granular sub-base (GSB) surface may not withstand prolonged heavy traffic. He also appealed for the extension of the road towards Changpang under Phase 2 of the project.
Presenting the technical review, the R&B department informed that eight work orders were issued under the Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI) 2023–24 for the Foothills Road project under the Baghty Division, covering three road packages and five double-lane modular steel bridges.
The 38.6-kilometre stretch from Doyang Bridge at Governor’s Camp to Merapani was divided into three packages: Doyang Bridge to Shantatchu River, Shantatchu River to Pangtong VR Junction, and Pangtong VR Junction to Merapani.
The department stated that the scope of work included earth-cutting to upgrade the road to two-lane specifications; laying of a 150 mm GSB layer; construction of culverts, side drains, and protection works. While most road works have been completed, some GSB works at bridge locations remain.
It further reported that five modular steel bridges over Jakvatchu, Shantatchu, Jungtchu, Sungkatchu, and Tsumang rivers are at 98 per cent completion, with approach roads and post-erection works in progress.
Vice Chairman of Lotha Hoho and Chairman of Dimapur Lotha Hoho, Thungchamo Murry, remarked that appreciation should be given where due, noting the inauguration as a significant step forward for the region.
President of Lotha Lower Range Public Organisation, T Amos Kikon, expressed happiness over the completion, stating that “seeing is believing".
Chairman of Ralan Area Lotha Hoho, C S Ovung, also conveyed gratitude to the MLA, department, and contractors, adding that connectivity to Merapani through the Foothills Road, once unexpected, has now become a reality.
Contractor Dr. John Murry, representing M/S Chabou & Co. and JK Construction, shared that additional works beyond the DPR were undertaken, including 1,500 trips of sand and gravel, three slab culverts, extra hume pipes, and a breast wall of over 100 feet.
He expressed gratitude to engineers, district administration, police, civil society organisations, landowners, and local residents for their cooperation.