Aizawl: Aizawl’s top man, Chief Minister Lalduhoma, has put forth a strong case to the Union government, pushing for an urgent shift to concrete roads across Mizoram. The state, perennially battered by monsoon downpours, is seeking a more durable alternative to the current bituminous surfaces, which often succumb to the heavy rainfall and subsequent landslides.
In a crucial meeting held in New Delhi on Wednesday with Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari, Lalduhoma highlighted the recurring issues faced by Mizoram’s road network. He underscored how rigid pavements, or concrete roads, would offer significantly enhanced resilience against the state’s intense monsoon season and, in the long run, prove to be more cost-effective due to reduced maintenance requirements.
Responding to the Chief Minister’s compelling argument, Minister Gadkari conveyed his assurance that a central team would soon be dispatched to Mizoram. This team’s mandate would be to conduct a thorough assessment of the practicality and feasibility of rolling out rigid pavement technology across the state, indicating a positive reception to Aizawl’s plea.
Beyond the concrete road proposal, the high-level discussion also delved into the progress and challenges of several other key infrastructure projects vital for Mizoram’s connectivity. These included the ongoing four-laning work on National Highway 6/306, connecting Vairengte to Sairang, as well as the construction of NH-306A, which is set to link Vairengte in Kolasib district to New Vervek village in Aizawl district, near the Manipur border. Additionally, discussions touched upon the critical repair work needed on NH-502, the lifeline between Lawngtlai and Siaha.
Chief Minister Lalduhoma was accompanied by Lok Sabha MP Richard Vanlalhmangaiha and Chief Secretary Khilli Ram Meena during the pivotal engagement with the Union Minister, underscoring the collective push from the state for improved infrastructure.
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