The Chakhesang Students’ Union (CSU) has submitted a representation to Nitin Gadkari, Union Minister, Ministry of Road Transport & Highways, seeking immediate intervention and timely completion of the Kohima to Jessami Road (Package 2) with proper machinery and quality workmanship.
The apex student body representing the indigenous tribal communities of Phek district, in their representation highlighted neglect and delay in the construction of the Kohima to Jessami road (Package 2).
The project is under the supervision of the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL), Regional Office Kohima, Nagaland, and executed by the Engineering Procurement and Construction (EPC) contractor, M/s Ratna Infrastructure Projects Pvt. Ltd. (M/S RIPPL).
“Despite numerous representations, ultimatums, and democratic protests by the CSU, NHIDCL and M/S RIPPL have repeatedly failed to take proper action toward the timely and quality completion of the road project. The continued apathy and poor workmanship have severely impacted commuters, disrupted daily life, and hampered the socio-economic progress of the region. This deliberate negligence reflects a blatant disregard for public welfare and accountability. Moreover, the project now appears to be completely abandoned, with no visible machinery stationed at the worksite in recent times,” stated the Union.
The Union strongly condemned the repeated failure of NHIDCL and the contractor to mobilize proper machinery, deploy sufficient manpower, and adhere to the required construction standards. “The poor quality of work and sluggish progress despite repeated engagements have left us with no option but to escalate this matter to your esteemed office for immediate intervention,” asserted the Union.
In this regard, the Union urgently appealed the Union Minister to:
- Direct the NHIDCL Executive Director, RO, Kohima, and M/S RIPPL to immediately deploy proper machinery and adequate manpower to fast-track the construction without further excuses or delays.
- Enforce strict monitoring and quality control mechanisms by NHIDCL, with periodic inspections to ensure adherence to national highway standards and prevent substandard work.
- Take strict and exemplary action against NHIDCL and EPC Contractor M/S RIPPL for their continuous failure to deliver on their commitments and ensure that such irresponsibility is not tolerated.
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- Take immediate steps to demonstrate visible progress on the ground, restoring public confidence and ensuring meaningful action replaces mere assurances.
- Mandate NHIDCL to submit fortnightly progress reports to the Ministry and make them accessible to the public to maintain transparency and accountability.
- Conduct an independent third-party audit to verify NHIDCL’s compliance with quality standards, assess the current status of the project, and identify any discrepancies in workmanship or materials.
The CSU also made a strong appeal to the Union Minister for MoRTH to intervene at the earliest and pressurize the concerned agency and contractor to deliver quality work on time, without further inconvenience to the people.
“The CSU remains committed to peaceful and democratic means; however, if corrective measures are not taken immediately, the Union will have no choice but to explore stronger actions in the public’s interest. We sincerely hope that your esteemed intervention will bring about the desired change and ensure that the long-pending Kohima to Jessami road project is completed with the quality and urgency it rightfully deserves in the interest of the public,” expressed the Union.
