Lotha Hoho inspects Foothill Road Baghty division, expressing dissatisfaction with the pace and quality of construction work.
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WOKHA — The Lotha Hoho (LH) conducted a spot inspection of the ongoing Foothill Road construction within the Baghty division under Wokha district on Wednesday.
The inspection team, led by members of the Lotha Hoho, was joined by representatives from the Lotha Lower Range Public Organisation (LLRPO), Ralan Area Lotha Hoho (RALH), Nagaland Foothill Road Coordination Committee (NFHRCC), junior engineer (JE) Public Works Department (PWD) (Roads and Bridges), Baghty division, contractors of the five bridges along the 38.6 km stretch, and members of the Agrive Villagers Forum–Champang Merapani area.
Although the stipulated work period expired on December 8, 2025, the hoho learned that the contractor and the PWD (R&B) department had been granted a three-month extension to complete the project.
At a meeting in Hayiyan village, representatives of the five bridge construction firms informed that their works were completed, but they were awaiting steel structures from the department. They assured that once the materials are supplied, the bridges would be delivered without delay.
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Following the inspection, the Lotha Hoho expressed dissatisfaction with the pace of work and urged contractors to intensify efforts to meet the extended deadline, cautioning that the monsoon season would otherwise hinder progress. They also reminded contractors to strictly adhere to the specifications outlined in the Detailed Project Report (DPR), noting that the project is vital for public welfare.
The hoho further urged the department to expedite the second phase of the Foothill Road, renamed as the Trans-Nagaland Expressway—commonly known as the People’s Road—at the earliest.
The hoho members noted that the stretch from Merapani to Doyang Bridge up to the Governor’s Camp measures 38.6 km. They pointed out that five bridges are still awaiting iron structures, only 48 of 152 culverts have been completed, and the earthwork along the stretch was “deplorable”.
They warned that the absence of wing walls for bridges and culverts poses a serious risk of damage once the monsoon sets in.
LLRPO President T Amos Kikon said the public was dissatisfied with the quality of work. While expressing satisfaction with the bridges, he criticised substandard earth cutting and warned that the Hume pipes used would not withstand heavy vehicles.
Yanmhon Area Public Organisation President Thungdemo Tungoe stated that since May 2025, they had conducted 38 inspections and consistently advised the department and contractors to improve workmanship. However, he lamented that the quality of work remains poor and urged better coordination.
Responding to the concerns, JE Yanbemo Ngullie of PWD (R&B) Baghty division said the original contract period had lapsed, but an additional three months were granted. He assured that efforts were being made to speed up the work and that construction was being carried out as per DPR specifications.
Briefing the media, LH Vice Chairman Elis Jungio expressed strong dissatisfaction over the quality and pace of work, noting that nearly 100 culverts remain incomplete. He recalled that the stipulated timeframe was December 2025 but the work remains unfinished.
With only two months left in the extended period, he said timely completion appears unlikely and urged contractors to deploy adequate resources. He added that the hoho will monitor progress daily and warned of action if the work is not completed within the extension.
Meanwhile, NFHRCC representatives appreciated the hoho for initiating the inspection. They said works in other divisions were nearing completion but expressed concern over delays in the Baghty division, where less than 50 per cent of the work has been completed despite a year having elapsed.
They also criticised the absence of the concerned PWD (R&B) executive engineer and sub-divisional officer during inspections, while appreciating the JE for his consistent presence.
The NFHRCC further highlighted that the Baghty division is severely understaffed despite having the longest stretch under its jurisdiction. They said repeated appeals and formal applications for additional staff have gone unanswered, resulting in immense pressure on the existing workforce.