The Chakhesang Students’ Union (CSU) has demanded immediate termination of EPC contractor M/s Ratna Infrastructure Projects Pvt. Ltd. and fresh tendering of the NH-29 Two-Lane Kohima–Jessami Road Package-II, alleging prolonged delay, poor progress and failure to maintain the vital road stretch.
In a representation to the Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways, the CSU said the 21.90-km Package-II stretch from existing Km 30.474 near Kidwema Road, Chakhabama, to existing Km 53.220 near Kikruma Village had caused immense hardship to commuters because of its deplorable condition and delayed completion.
The Union claimed that the project, awarded to M/s Ratna Infrastructure Projects Pvt. Ltd. on October 10, 2023, was scheduled for completion by January 4, 2026. However, it alleged that the contractor failed to complete the work within the stipulated period despite repeated interventions.
The CSU said it had approached the authorities on February 27, 2025, through the Governor of Nagaland, seeking immediate intervention, adequate machinery and quality workmanship. It said the road nevertheless remained in poor condition, with commuters continuing to face hardships.
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According to the Union, NHIDCL subsequently granted an Extension of Time (EoT) to the contractor up to September 24, 2026. The CSU said that despite its demand for termination, it also entered into a six-point agreement with NHIDCL and the contractor on June 22 to facilitate completion of the project.
The CSU alleged that the contractor continued to fall short of the required deployment of machinery and labour and failed to undertake necessary maintenance even after the agreement. It further claimed that overall physical progress remained at only around 44 per cent after expiry of the EoT.
The Union said it had again approached the Executive Director, NHIDCL, Regional Office Kohima, on August 24, urging that no further extension be granted and seeking immediate restoration of vulnerable and severely damaged locations as well as daily maintenance across the project stretch.
The CSU has now demanded termination of the contractor within 14 days and immediate retendering of the remaining work within the same period. It has also demanded continuous maintenance of the road until completion of the project to ensure safe and uninterrupted movement.
Warning of further agitation, the Union said failure to address its demands would compel it to undertake “further course of agitation” and held the Ministry responsible for addressing the continuing hardships faced by the public.
