Deputy Commissioner of Kohima, B. Henok Buchem, NCS, carried out an extensive inspection of the North-East Gas Grid (NEGG) Dimapur–Imphal Pipeline Project on Tuesday, urging contractors and officials to step up efforts for timely completion of the ambitious energy infrastructure project.
Accompanied by Revenue Officer Kevingoto Kulnu, Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO) of Sechü-Zubza Imliakum Sanglir, General Manager of Indradhanush Gas Grid Limited (IGGL), officials from the Department of Geology and Mining, District Public Relations Office (DPRO) Kohima, and contractors working on the project, the DC visited multiple sites across Kohima district to assess ongoing work and identify bottlenecks.
During the inspection, IGGL officials informed the team that nearly 40% of the pipeline construction in Nagaland is expected to be completed by December 2025. The broader project, which forms part of the larger North-East Gas Grid initiative, is now slated for full completion by March 2027.
Officials explained that the pipeline project, which passes through challenging terrain, requires extensive technical work, including pipe stringing, welding, copper slag blasting and coating, trenching, installation of warning mesh, and cathodic protection measures.
Despite steady progress, contractors acknowledged that they face several challenges due to Nagaland’s difficult topography, unstable geology, and heavy rainfall throughout the year. Minor coordination issues between IGGL and the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) were also raised but resolved on the spot during the inspection.
Expressing dissatisfaction over the slow pace of progress, DC Buchem noted that inadequate manpower deployment had delayed work unnecessarily. He directed the contractors to immediately deploy additional teams to accelerate construction.
Given the fragile geology of the region and concerns raised by local villages about the project’s impact, Buchem instructed that the pipeline should be laid on the hillside of the National Highway’s Right of Way (ROW) to minimize risks. He also emphasized that work must continue without interruption despite the monsoon.
“The region receives rainfall almost year-round, and waiting for dry conditions will only delay completion further. Contractors must find innovative and alternative strategies to keep the work going during the rainy season,” Buchem said.
He further instructed that re-routed alignment demarcation be completed by October 31, 2025, setting a firm deadline for contractors. In addition, pipeline laying along stretches of the NH ROW that are already available should begin without delay.
