Kohima, September 2 (HBTV): The status of the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) Package-III took center stage during the 7th session of the 14th Nagaland Legislative Assembly. MLA Nuklutoshi raised concerns over delayed road projects and sought clarity from the Minister-in-Charge of Roads and Bridges, G Kaito Aye.
In his reply, Kaito said that although work orders for 40 sanctioned roads under PMGSY-III were issued in 2024, progress was stalled after the Ministry of Rural Development locked the Online Management, Monitoring and Accounting System (OMMAS) from March 2024 to March 2025, halting payments to contractors. This, he said, prevented contractors from mobilizing and initiating work.
Kaito admitted that Nagaland had previously faced setbacks under PMGSY, with nearly 13–14 projects terminated and the Centre demanding a refund of nearly INR 50 crore for incomplete works. Determined to avoid a repeat, the department has now introduced a Project Implementing Unit (PIU) to certify bills before release of payments.
While acknowledging that the 18-month completion timeline was missed, the minister announced that the Centre has granted an extension until March 2026. Formation cutting, breast wall construction, and other groundwork are currently underway, with carpeting and final stages scheduled later.
On the issue of Full Depth Reclamation (FDR) technology, Nuklutoshi highlighted the lack of necessary machinery in Nagaland and the worsening condition of roads after two monsoon seasons. Kaito responded that though the adoption of FDR technology was mandated by the Ministry, efforts were being made to adapt to the state’s difficult terrain.
The minister also revealed that the department had received complaints from the public and a resentment letter from Ao Senden regarding slow progress. Notices have been served to contractors, but Kaito urged members not to harass workers unduly, assuring that the government is committed to achieving 100% project completion within the revised deadline.
“We want roads, we want connectivity. Despite challenges, we are putting all our efforts to complete the project and break records in performance so that Nagaland continues to receive its due share of Central schemes,” Kaito assured the assembly.