A section of the NH-29 Two-Lane Kohima-Jessami Road Package-II project. (File Photo courtesy CSU)
Dimapur, August 24 (MExN): The Chakhesang Students’ Union (CSU) has urged the National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) not to grant any further extension of time (EoT) to Ratna Infra Projects Pvt. Ltd. for the NH-29 Two-Lane Kohima-Jessami Road Package-II project, citing prolonged delays and continuing public hardship.
In a representation to the Executive Director (Projects), NHIDCL Regional Office, Kohima, on Monday, the CSU said the project was originally scheduled for completion on January 4, 2026. However, the contractor failed to meet the deadline and was subsequently granted an EoT up to September 24, 2026.
The union said that despite the extension, overall work progress stood at only 44.30%, describing the pace as unacceptable for a road of such importance. “The road serves as a lifeline for thousands of people,” the CSU said, pointing to its importance for residents of Phek, Kiphire and Meluri districts, as well as students, patients, government officials, traders and others dependent on the road for daily travel.
The union said the continuing deterioration of the road had resulted in commuters being stranded for hours, while several accidents had also occurred due to poor maintenance. It further pointed to a six-point agreement signed on June 22 between the CSU, NHIDCL and the EPC contractor to facilitate completion of the project. The six-point agreement was signed at Tourist Complex, Pfutsero, on June 22 following a 14-day ultimatum served by the CSU to NHIDCL over the delayed project. It also provided for joint inspections every 20 days to review progress and site conditions.
The agreement required emergency repairs within 48 hours, deployment of machinery and materials within 72 hours, adequate manpower at the site and completion of 100% of the physical works by September 24.
According to the CSU, however, subsequent joint inspections conducted on July 13 and August 4 did not show visible progress. It alleged that the project continued to lack adequate machinery, manpower and maintenance. “This is no longer merely a contractual delay, it has become a serious public concern and daily hardship,” the union stated.
The CSU has demanded that no further EoT be granted to Ratna Infra Projects beyond the existing extension. It has also called for immediate restoration of vulnerable and severely damaged stretches and daily maintenance throughout the project corridor to ensure safe and uninterrupted movement.
The union warned that any further extension despite what it described as “prolonged failure, inadequate progress, repeated non-compliance and the continuing hardships faced by the public” would be viewed seriously and could lead it to pursue “appropriate democratic and lawful courses of action” in the larger public interest.
The CSU urged NHIDCL to take its representation seriously and ensure that the public is not subjected to further uncertainty and hardship.
