Special Correspondent
Ukhrul, September 26:
The deteriorating condition of National Highway-202 between Yaingangpokpi and Lunghar has come under renewed scrutiny, with Ukhrul MLA Ram Muivah seeking urgent intervention from the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) to restore work along the approximately 100-km stretch.
Muivah inspected the highway on September 23 and 24 following complaints from residents. He was accompanied by NHIDCL officials and engineers during the inspection covering Mahadev, Hungpung, Langdang, Shirui, Lunghar and adjoining areas towards Jessami.
In a communication to NHIDCL Executive Director Sandosh Rai, Muivah described the condition of the highway as “terrible” and sought immediate action on reported contractual and land-related bottlenecks. He said the inspection team found no visible manpower deployed by the contractor on the concerned stretch and observed landslide and sinking zones requiring attention.
According to the MLA’s communication, the contractor, identified as Ganapati of Rajasthan, has reportedly sought foreclosure of the project before completion. NHIDCL site engineers accompanying the inspection reportedly informed him of the request, though the reasons were not known to him.
Muivah urged NHIDCL to resolve the contractual issue and ensure resumption of construction, describing NH-202 as a lifeline for Ukhrul and Kamjong districts.
The inspection also highlighted the unresolved land issue at Lunghar. The Lunghar Village Authority reportedly conveyed willingness to accept the fourth alignment option identified in the latest NHIDCL consultant survey for the proposed bypass. Affected landowners have also reportedly agreed to compensation based on the 2024 Joint Physical Measurement conducted by the Revenue Department.
The authority said around 14 km of NH-202 falls within Lunghar jurisdiction, of which approximately 11.5 km is reportedly undisputed, while a 3.5-km bypass stretch remains unresolved.
Muivah has urged NHIDCL to address the issue at the earliest and requested the Deputy Commissioner, Ukhrul, to facilitate release of pending land compensation.
The reported contractual and land-related hurdles have raised concerns over prolonged delays in completing a key highway corridor serving the interior hill districts.
