Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma announced that the long-delayed highway widening project in the state is set to begin soon, with compensation issues expected to be resolved shortly as funds from the central government are awaited.

The Centre has allocated Rs 11.9 billion for compensating both the state forest department and landowners affected by the project, which involves expanding sections of NH-6 and NH-306. These highways serve as crucial lifelines, connecting Mizoram to the rest of the country through Assam.

Although the highway widening project, approved several years ago, aims to upgrade the roads to four lanes, implementation has been delayed due to disputes over land ownership and compensation. On his return to Aizawl after a visit to Delhi, Lalduhoma told reporters that he had participated in review meetings led by Union Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari to address the challenges hindering the project.

The chief minister explained that forest clearance and land disputes have been primary obstacles. The state forest department claims some sections of land along the highway as reserve forest areas, while locals assert legal ownership based on tax payments and valid documents.

"We requested the Union Minister to compensate both parties to resolve the long-standing issues and expedite the project," Lalduhoma said.

Gadkari has agreed to allocate Rs 900 million to the forest department and Rs 11 billion to landowners to facilitate the project, marking the first time such an arrangement has been made.

Last month, over 2,000 landowners along NH-6 and NH-306 staged protests, demanding resolution of ownership disputes and fair compensation. With the Centre's approval, the project is now poised to move forward after years of delay. (ET)