Review Meeting on National Highway Works Held in Lunglei District

Lunglei, March 2026: A meeting was held today in the office chamber of Lunglei District Deputy Commissioner Pi Navneet Mann with officials of the Revenue Branch, representatives of the National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd (NHIDCL), BRN Infrastructures Pvt Ltd (BRNIPL), and leaders of the Lunglei Sub-Headquarters YMA to discuss the ongoing widening and improvement works of national highways in Lunglei district and the priorities to be completed before the onset of the monsoon.

Deputy Commissioner Pi Navneet Mann stated that NHIDCL and contractors are being constantly urged to accelerate the ongoing works on NH–54 and NH–302. She noted that due to various challenges, including weather conditions and local issues, the pace of work has sometimes been affected. With the monsoon approaching, she emphasised the need to prioritise essential works and ensure their completion before the rains. She added that beyond regular supervision, proper planning and continuous monitoring of work execution are crucial. To prevent misinformation, she stressed the importance of coordinated communication with organisations like YMA and MJA so that the public is clearly informed about project status, plans, and feasible timelines.

Assistant Commissioner (Revenue) Pi Jennifer Vanlalhruaii Pachuau presented an overview of the progress. NH–302, which is 95.950 km long, is divided into two packages. In Package A (Hrangchalkawn–Phairuangkai), 65.98% of the 52 km work has been completed, while in Package B (Chhumkhum–Tlabung), 63.14% of the 43.950 km stretch has been completed. On NH–54, covering Packages 3, 4, 5, and part of Package 6 (Bungtlang–Thingfal) spanning 147.211 km under Lunglei district, about 97% of the work has been completed. Delays in certain areas were attributed to land acquisition issues, compensation disputes, and resistance from landowners and nearby residents.

BRNIPL representatives presented their work plan progress and outlined the tasks to be completed before the monsoon. YMA leaders also shared their concerns and priorities. Ongoing works include a 2.5 km blacktopping stretch between Theiriat and Hrangchalkawn, expected to be completed in April, and a 100-metre retaining wall near T-Way Filling Station at Theiriat, along with blacktopping work. Side drains are also planned depending on time availability.

Other ongoing works include road widening and breast wall construction at Lungpuizawl, improvement works at Phairuangkai, and development activities within Hauruang village. In Zobawk, where substantial work remains, priority tasks before the monsoon have been identified in consultation with the local Joint YMA. Blacktopping between Pu K. Lalpuia’s residence and the Higher Secondary School junction has begun, with part of the work expected to be completed by mid-April.

However, certain works remain stalled due to pending compensation issues and land disputes, particularly near properties of local residents, affecting road widening and blacktopping. Temporary improvements such as GSB layering and drain cleaning are being carried out to maintain road usability during the monsoon, with full works planned after the rains.

Pending retaining wall constructions in Zobawk North and South are expected to be completed by April. Additional proposals for safety works are under consideration, though some fall outside the contractor’s current scope.

The Deputy Commissioner directed contractors to strictly follow their work plans and ensure timely execution. A spot verification of progress is planned around mid-April to assess on-ground implementation.