Rajya Shaba MP from Nagaland KG Kenye said the highway construction work-zone and traffic control codes as per procedures laid down by the ministry of road transport and highways is nowhere to be seen on the ongoing road repair/construction works on the National Highway 29 between Dimapur and Kohima.
In this connection, the lone member Rajya Sabha member from the state has written to the central government to instruct the departments and the contractors to take the necessary traffic related construction site procedures and precautions while undertaking the road repair/construction works.
In his letter to the union minister of road transport on July 23, which was made available to the media on Wednesday, Keney pointed out some pertinent issues related to the safety of the commuters plying on the National Highway.
Kenye made a strong plea to the union minister to instruct the departments and the contractors to take the necessary traffic related construction site procedures and precaution so that the commuters are not put at risk of accidents.
Expressing satisfaction that the work on the road is being undertaken in full swing, the MP, however, the road has become muddy and slippery with the earthwork and the rock cutting work after the onset of the monsoon season.
The letter pointed out that many sections of the road are dug up with no warning indicators while some portions do not even have the traffic diversion barricades that can be visible to vehicles even during rain or at night. This has made the “ever present risk” for vehicle drivers even more hazardous, it stated.
Also, stating that many commuters, who travel on the highway on a regular basis, are appreciative of the upgradation of the works being undertaken, he said, “The disappointing situation with regard to road safety has let us all down.”