Inaugurates first 4-lane arch bridge
KOHIMA, NOVEMBER 29: Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio today said that despite being the senior-most State in the North East, after Assam, Nagaland is lagging behind in development of infrastructure because of the unresolved Naga political issues and landownership hassles.
“Nagaland, though the senior-most State after Assam, is lagging in infrastructure development compounded with the unresolved Naga Political Issue and landowners not only in Kohima but all over the State, especially in road construction and other developmental activities”, said Rio.
The Chief Minister was speaking during the dedicatory programme of the first 4-lane arch bridge constructed by the PWD with Vilelie Khamo and KC Angami taking up the works as joint venture over Sanuoru River on Secretariat road here.
Unlike other States, in Nagaland the land belongs to the people while the Government tries its best to negotiate, please or compensate the landowners, he said.
In this, he requested the landowners to sacrifice their land or give it to the Government for all-round development or else the State will fall behind. “You should get due respect but don’t obstruct the Government”, he said.
Rio said this is one the most important roads connecting the State Civil Secretariat and bridge was long awaited.
The Chief Minister also congratulated the Department, contractors and land owners for the completion of the bridge.
Also conveying his respect to the architect for the beautiful bridge, Rio called upon all people to be stakeholders to keep the area and the city clean. “Be the initiators and no complainants”, he said while expressing that it should be a combined effort to build Nagaland and not only the Government’s responsibility.
Highlights of Construction of Sanuoru 4-Lane RCC Bridge:
In 2015, during the months of July and August, the debris brought by heavy rains had completely blocked the water passage of the Cross Drain (Culvert) on this River thereby leading to the huge collection of water in the upstream side.
The road surface had to be cut across so as to allow the flow of water to the downstream side. Therefore, the road leading to the Capital Complex and beyond was cut-off.
An alternative Sub-way towards the upstream side of the River was constructed by the Department and the Sub-way was opened to traffic on November 30, 2015.
Thereafter, Construction of the permanent 4-lane RCC Arch bridge along Sanuoru was proposed.
The Ministry of Road Transport & Highways (MoRTH) sanctioned the Project in December 2015.
Work was allotted to M/s Vilelie Khamo and KC Angami (Joint Venture) in July 2016.
To avoid erosion and scouring of the sides, RCC Channel works along the River, protection works, etc. started before the actual Bridge works started. The actual Bridge layout was given only in November 2018.
In view of the inconveniences caused to Road users along the Subway, it was decided that the Contractors should concentrate on completion of one 2-lane portion first and open to traffic.
The 2-lane portion of the bridge was completed and opened to traffic on November 30, 2020. Works for the remaining 2-lane portion and the ancillary works continued in full earnest throughout this year and the Bridge is fully functional.
Sanctioned Amount: Rs. 20 crores under the CRF (MoRTH) sanctioned on December 29, 2015 and Rs. 15.81 crores under State Resources for additional Works sanctioned during 2021.
Total Cost of the Project: Rs. 35.81 crores, of which an amount of Rs. 12.35 cr has been released to the contractors and the balance is Rs. 23.46 cr.
Chaired by Principal Secretary, PWD, Menukhol John, the dedicatory prayer was offered by Rev Keviyekielie Linyü while CM Rio unveiled the bridge plaque in the presence of Deputy CM Y Patton, galaxy of legislators, Department officials and host of leaders from Kohima Village.
(Page News Service)
