Nagaland government finalises NH-702 alignment; option 3 chosen as technically superior route

DIMAPUR — A high-level meeting chaired by Deputy Chief Minister TR Zeliang has finalised the alignment of National Highway 702 (NH-702), which will connect Longleng, Longching, Mon, and Tizit.

A press release on Thursday stated that the meeting, convened to resolve competing alignment options, was attended by MLAs Manpon Konyak, Nyemnyei Konyak, and Naiba Konyak; senior officials from the Works and Housing department; chief engineers of NH and R&B; the executive director (P) of NHIDCL; and the Inspector General of Assam Rifles (North), who also chairs the Border Roads Network Action Plan (BRNAP).

Representatives of the Konyak Union and other officials were also present.

After reviewing the technical report and recommendation of NHIDCL, which favoured alignment option No. 3, the participants reached a consensus to proceed with the technically superior route.

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Addressing concerns over villages along the 19-km stretch that will be bypassed by the new alignment, Zeliang directed the chairman of BRNAP to convene a special committee meeting with the BRO, NHIDCL, and the state PWD.

“This committee is tasked with formally recommending that the aforementioned 19-kilometre stretch be taken up by the BRO for dedicated maintenance and upkeep,” it stated.

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Describing the decision as a “win-win for progress and inclusivity,” Zeliang said that the adoption of option 3 would ensure a robust and modern road infrastructure while BRO’s upkeep of the old stretch would guarantee no village is left behind.

The deputy CM appealed to MLAs and the Konyak Union to help communicate the technical rationale to local stakeholders to ensure timely and unhindered execution of the NHIDCL project.

The meeting concluded with unanimous agreement to proceed with the plan, with officials noting that strategic projects like NH-702 are vital to enhancing connectivity and improving quality of life in Nagaland.