The PMGSY Phase-III Doyang–Mangmetong road project has become a source of frustration for commuters and villagers, as repeated delays continue to disrupt their daily life.
WOKHA — The much-anticipated PMGSY Phase-III Doyang–Mangmetong road project has become a source of frustration for commuters and villagers, as repeated delays continue to disrupt their daily life.
Launched on September 13, 2024, the 36.45 km road project, with an estimated cost of INR 46.54 crore, was supposed to be completed within 18 months. However, it has repeatedly failed to meet its deadline, despite numerous extensions.
With the onset of the monsoon, commuters are now forced to use a hazardous slurry mud road, which is the result of incomplete earth-cutting. Locals lament that the project, far from serving the community, has become a burden and a danger rather than a lifeline.
Amid growing discontent, the Pangti Village Students' Union (PVSU) has filed a Right to Information (RTI) seeking accountability. Sources confirmed that the union is preparing to take further measures to address the protracted delay.
The neglected road, which connects Sungro range under Wokha district with the neighbouring districts like Mokokchung, has left people in the area grappling with disrupted transport, causing challenges during medical emergencies, and economic hardship.
Also read: Pangti Village Students’ Union rues Doyang-Mangmetong road work quality
Speaking to Eastern Mirror, Bonao Lotha, President of the Pangti Village Students' Union, said that a joint inspection with the contractor is likely to take place next week. He also mentioned that Ao Senden and Lotha Hoho had previously inspected the road construction on September 9 last year, and subsequently held a meeting at Pangti Village Community Hall to discuss the delays.
Ao Senden has reportedly conducted several site inspections to assess the quality and timely completion of the work, given that the route is a crucial link to Mokokchung district and offers a shorter passage to Dimapur.
Lotha noted that numerous civil societies and committees have inspected the project, with the PVSU alone conducting three inspections to date. During its most recent visit, the union found out that the use of inferior-quality materials, a lack of machinery, and insufficient labour have led to the slow progress. He said that while the first phase of earth-cutting is about to be completed, overall work remains sluggish.
Informing that the findings from the RTI are yet to be examined, the PVSU revealed that all pertinent issues will be addressed during the proposed joint inspection next week.
It may be mentioned that slurry mud and debris, which had obstructed the road for vehicular movement, were cleared by the construction firm on July 2.