Centre Clears Nagaland’s State Law Route for NH-202 Land Acquisition.

Policy hurdle removed, paving the way for NH-202 widening and better connectivity.

The Union government has cleared Nagaland’s proposal to acquire land under the Nagaland Land (Requisition and Acquisition) Act, 1965, for widening National Highway-202. The decision removes a major hurdle that had delayed the project amid concerns over using the National Highways Act, 1956, and constitutional safeguards under Article 371(A). Deputy Chief Minister T R Zeliang said the decision followed discussions with senior officials of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH). The meeting also reviewed proposed widening works on NH-329A, NH-702A and the Foothill Road. MoRTH has agreed to accept the existing Detailed Project Report for NH-202, with technical modifications to be carried out jointly by the state-appointed consultant and ministry engineers. This will avoid appointing a new consultant and prevent months of additional surveys and delays. The NH-202 upgrade is particularly important for Tuensang, Shamator and Kiphire districts, where poor road conditions have long affected residents, transport and regional connectivity.