The Chakhesang Students’ Union (CSU) sealed the base camp of Ratna Infrastructure Projects Pvt. Ltd. at North Kikruma in Phek district on Friday, September 25, citing prolonged delays in the construction of National Highway 29’s Kohima-Jessami Package-II. The group has demanded the immediate termination of the engineering, procurement and construction contractor and fresh tendering within 72 working hours.
In an ultimatum to the National Highways Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL), the CSU warned that it would block NH-29 from September 30 if its demands were not met. The project, covering a design length of 21.90 km between Kigwema Road in Chakhabama and Kikruma village, was awarded to Ratna on October 10, 2023, and originally scheduled for completion by January 4, 2026.
NHIDCL subsequently granted the contractor an extension until September 24, 2026. According to the CSU, only 44.30% of the work had been completed when the extended deadline expired, falling short of the 50% benchmark. The students’ body said this reflected the contractor’s failure to meet its contractual obligations.
The CSU also alleged that an agreement reached on June 22 with NHIDCL and the company to accelerate construction was not implemented because adequate machinery, labour and manpower were not deployed. Joint inspections on July 13 and August 4 found no significant progress, it said.
Large stretches of the road remain in poor and sometimes unmotorable condition, causing lengthy travel delays and hardship for commuters. The CSU further alleged that the road’s deterioration and inadequate maintenance had contributed to several accidents.
The ultimatum, signed by CSU president Povozo Soho and general secretary Rhilo Chiero, accused NHIDCL of continuing with the contractor despite its unsatisfactory performance. The group said repeated assurances had not translated into adequate action.
In a separate statement, the CSU said the Phek district administration forcibly removed the seal placed on the contractor’s premises. It accused the administration, which heads the district’s Project Monitoring Group for national highways, of failing to ensure timely completion. The CSU appealed to the public to support its agitation, saying its campaign was intended to secure relief for commuters.
Original Source: https://www.morungexpress.com/nh-29-delay-csu-seals-contractors-camp-gives-72-hr-ultimatum-for-fresh-tendering
Category: Nagaland
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Publish Date: 2026-09-25 23:31:00
