The Pfutsero Commercial Vehicle Owners and Drivers Union (PCVODU) has expressed its full support to the Chakhesang Students’ Union (CSU) in its firm stand regarding the deteriorating condition of the 2-lane road (Package 2) between Chakhabama and Kikruma.
“The failure of the implementing agency, the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL), and the executing contractor, M/s Ratna Infrastructure Projects Pvt. Ltd., under the Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) contract mode, has caused severe hardship to our members and the general commuting public,” stated the Union in a press release issued today.
Condemning the inaction and substandard execution of the road project, the Union asserted that it has resulted in a dangerous and nearly unmotorable stretch affecting the lives and livelihoods of commercial drivers and vehicle owners who rely on the route for their daily operations.
The Union also expressed that the deplorable road conditions have led to exponential increases in vehicle maintenance and repair costs due to potholes, poor drainage, and rough surfaces that cause extensive damage to suspensions, tires, and undercarriage systems. “Consequently, owners are forced to invest significantly in frequent repairs, which erode profit margins and threaten the financial viability of commercial transport operations in the region,” it shared.
Another impact of the negligence and poor construction, as highlighted by the Union, is the longer travel duration and decrease in productivity. “Drivers are unable to complete routine trips efficiently, resulting in lost income opportunities and fuel inefficiency, adding further operational cost burdens. The risk to human life has also increased, with accidents becoming more frequent due to the unsafe road conditions, creating serious safety concerns for both passengers and freight handlers. This situation also affects insurance access and premium’s, with many drivers facing increasing difficulties in securing affordable coverage,” asserted the Union.
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It has further led to delays in the delivery of goods, harming the reputation of transport service providers and causing dissatisfaction among clients. These consequences have also impacted the Union, as reduced earnings result in lower membership contributions, weakening its capacity to support members in need and to effectively champion their rights.
The Union reminded all stakeholders that under the National Highways Act, 1956, the maintenance of national highways is the responsibility of the central government or the authorized agency-in this case, NHIDCL. Furthermore, under the EPC agreement framework, the contractor is bound to maintain specified quality standards and timelines; failure of which warrants legal and contractual penalties.
Therefore, PCVODU demanded that NHIDCL Kohima Regional Office take urgent and corrective action to ensure immediate rehabilitation and completion of the Chakhabama-Kikruma road package as per contractual obligations and in compliance with road safety and engineering standards.
“If NHIDCL fails to act decisively, the Pfutsero Commercial Vehicle Owners and Drivers Union will hold the agency and the contractor solely responsible for any further damage to vehicles, loss of life, or inconvenience caused to the commuting public,” cautioned the Union expressing solidarity to all stakeholders demanding accountability, safety, and dignity for the transport community and the people who depend on the critical road infrastructure.
