The current status, challenges, and earnest expectations concerning the highway expansion project from Yaingangpokpi to Jessami (National Highway 202) initiated on 1 July 2020 are many and behind schedule.
Out of total 8 packages being awarded along National Highway 202, only 1 package (Jessami – Akash Bridge) is completed. Out of 166.37km total lemgth only 14.72km is completed, the remaining 151.65km is yet to be completed.
People are grateful to the Government of India, the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways, and NHIDCL for their efforts in improving connectivity and infrastructure in the hill areas. However, there are certain pressing issues that require immediate attention and kind intervention to ensure the timely and efficient completion of this nationally significant project which is still so far away from completion. The people are frustrated with the snail pace of progress and the condition of the road.
STATUS OF THE PROJECT (YAINGANGPOKPI TO JESSAMI):
Package-1
Yaingangpokpi to Finch Corner
Appointed Date: 01.07.2020
Amount: Rs124.81 Crore
Length: 16.90km
Status: Ongoing since 2020, no progress till date.
Package-2
Yaingangpokpi to Finch Corner
Appointed Date: 01.07.2020
Amount: Rs.135.63 Crore
Length: 14.07km
Status: Ongoing since 2020, no progress till date.
Package-3
Finch Corner to Ukhrul
Appointed Date:
Amount:
Length: 14km
Status: 3G awarded, LA funds yet to be deposited.
Package-4
Ukhrul to Choithar
Appointed Date:
Amount: Rs. 16. 37 Crore
Length: 8.612km
Status: Bottleneck, Only Minor Repairs
Package-5
Choithar to Marem
Appointed Date: May 2025
Amount: Rs. 225.83 Crore
Length: 42.59km
Status: Ongoing
Package-6
Marem to Jessami
Appointed Date: 08.12.2024
Amount: Rs. 221.23 Crore
Length: 44.48km
Status: Ongoing
Package-7
Jessami to Layne Bridge
Appointed Date: 24.12.2024
Amount: Rs. 68.43 Crore
Lemgth: 11.009
Status: Ongoing
Package-2
Jessami to Akash Bridge
Appointed Date: 20.02.2022
Amount: Rs. 73.48 Crore
Length: 14.72km
Status: Completed.
KEY CONCERNS AND GRIEVANCES
1. FINCH CORNER TO UKHRUL (KAZIPHUNG), PACKAGE- 3 OF NH-202, LAND ACQUISITION FUNDS NOT SANCTIONED:
Although the land acquisition survey was conducted in mid 2024 by the District Administration, NHIDCL, relevant line departments, village authorities, and affected pattadars, and the 3G Award has also been passed by the Competent Authority for Land Acquisition (CALA), the LA funds have not yet been sanctioned till date. This has caused deep concern among the affected landowners and villagers, as no activity on the affected land can be initiated without the compensation, and yet, there is a fear that construction might commence abruptly, leading to conflicts or further delays.
2. FINCH CORNER TO UKHRUL (KAZIPHUNG), PACKAGE- 3 OF NH-202: DELAY IN COMMENCEMENT OF EPC WORK:
While we understand that an EPC contractor has already been awarded for Package-3, the actual on-ground work has not started. With the monsoon season now drawing to a close, this is an opportune moment to begin the work and avoid further delay. The public is keen and hopeful that construction will begin soon.
3. NEGLECT OF PACKAGE-4 (UKHRUL TO CHOITHAR)
There is a deep concerned that the Ukhrul to Choithar stretch—a critical bottleneck on NH-202—has neither been tendered nor awarded since 2020. This short stretch continues to cause traffic congestion and acts as a chokepoint despite the rest of NH-202 up to Jessami being awarded.
Strengthening work by M/s Vertex Pvt. Ltd. has been carried out amounting to Rs. 16,37,24,000/- (Rupees Sixteen Crore Thirty Seven Lakh Twenty Four Thousand) only. The road construction is below standard and unsatisfactory. More recently, a new tender for mere Rs. 16 lakh was floated, which clearly does not reflect the scale of amount sanctioned, amount utilisation and physical on site work actually required to upgrade this stretch into a standard two-lane highway. People are hoping that a proper DPR be prepared and a full-fledged EPC tender be floated for Package-4, focusing on expansion, not maintenance alone.
