Improvement work on once forgotten Longnak-Mangkolemba road

Rs 29.9 cr, 2-year timeframe and 4-year maintenance liability via NESIDS

Morung Express News
Dimapur | May 22

The Mangkolemba Sub-division in Mokokchung district is regarded as among the oldest administrative circles in Nagaland state. However, the status of an ‘early bird’ has not translated into good governance, especially in terms of providing reliable road connectivity. 

According to residents, for an ADC (Additional Deputy Commissioner) sub-division, it has the worst roads, faring even worse than the perennially neglected sub-divisions like Tobu and newly upgraded districts like Shamator and Noklak.

There are three major roads in the sub-division, two of which connects villages in the Japukong and Jangpetkong ranges with the sub-divisional headquarters. The third is known as the Longnak-Mangkolemba road, which connects the sub-divisional headquarters with the important Mariani-Mokokchung road (NH 702-D). All three had last seen any repair decades ago. 

The Longnak-Mangkolemba road has been the most visible, the bad condition of the road serving as a flashpoint for public protests. The most recent was witnessed in November 2021 when a supposedly peaceful public demonstration turned violent with the protestors reacting aggressively to an alleged cash-for-vote remark from the then ADC. The embarrassing episode concluded with the ADC apologising to the protestors from his office balcony. 

The deplorable condition of the road had the only NST bus service from Dimapur temporarily suspending service reportedly over safety concerns. It was recently resumed but according to commuters, the plying of the bus has been left to the mercy of the weather. 

As opposed to being an important road link, mostly coal and timber trucks ply the road. The people of the area use it only in emergency situations, while opting for longer detours, but no less grueling, on other occasions. 

Improvement work
Currently, things are apparently looking bright with work ongoing to upgrade (widen) and improve the road under the North East Special Infrastructure Development Scheme (NESIDS), implemented by the DoNER Ministry. It is a 100 percent Centrally-funded programme. It was sanctioned in October 2022. 

Running a stretch of approximately 11 km, the Longnak-Mangkolemba road was last repaired in 1986. It is being widened to intermediate lane with a carriageway of 5.5 m from the existing 3.75 m single lane. 

As per information accessed by The Morung Express, the work contract worth Rs 29.9 cr went to Kohima-based M/s Engineering Station on Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) mode.  The completion timeframe, as stipulated in the contract, was 24 months alongwith a defect liability period of 48 months. Defect liability is a contractual repair and maintenance obligation on the part of the builder.  

An official source, when contacted, described the current status of work as satisfactory. The official said that the initial phase is challenging owing to building of side drainage and culverts requiring excavation. It requires around 60 culverts with 8 said to be almost bridge-size spanning at 16-17 feet. A major portion of the drainage work was said to be completed. The official added that the onset of the monsoon would slow down work on the remaining drainage.  

More recently, private taxi and NST bus services to Mangkolemba were cancelled owing to slushy conditions, aggravated by rain and the ongoing improvement work; besides, plying of timber and coal trucks.    

Queried on the Mariani-Mokokchung (NH 702D), which comes under the responsibility of the NHIDCL, the official said that barring a 30 km stretch from Mokokchung-New Camp, the rest of the road, till where it crosses into Assam, was in bad shape. “There are big potholes, which when flooded, small vehicles would get stuck.”  

In addition, there are two sinking areas— one in Chungtia village and the other below Changki village — along the 85 km road. The sinking area was addressed to some extent by widening and circumventing the sinking areas in coordination with the land-owning villages. “But much remains to be done,” commented a commuter. 

Coal/timber trucks restricted 

Mokokchung, MAY 21 (MExN): In view of the ongoing construction of the Longnak-Mangkolemba road in Mangkolemba sub-division, Mokokchung, plying of timber and coal trucks has been restricted beginning May 20. The Additional Deputy Commissioner, in an order issued on May 18, said that the restriction was necessitated to protect existing weak culverts till such time new ones are constructed. A copy of the order received here added that the condition of the said road was also slushy exacerbated by rain. While stating that the restriction will remain in effect till orders, it added, “Non-compliance to this order shall invite strong action from the concerned authority, even to the extent of seizure/suspension of the vehicle documents.”