The Phek District Nagaland Contractors’ & Suppliers’ Union (PDNCSU) has raised serious concerns over the slow progress and alleged inefficiency in the ongoing Kohima–Jessami 2-lane road construction (Package II), following multiple inspections of the project site.
During a spot verification conducted on March 14, the union reported that only a limited number of machinery and manpower were deployed at the construction site, which it termed “highly disappointing” for a project of such scale.
According to PDNCSU, the machinery present included three excavators, eight dumper trucks, one road roller, one mini excavator, and two water tankers—all reportedly hired rather than owned by the executing firm.
The Union alleged that the Ratna Company is not fit to pursue the mega project and would never be in a position to complete it. “They have been into this project for many years and still could not bring any progression, this could be due to their in efficiency and qualification,” the Union said.
Calling for immediate intervention, PDNCSU urged the Government to review the matter immediately, terminate the work allotted to Ratna Company, and also blacklist the company for what it described as inefficiency. It also alleged that the company has remained unresponsive despite repeated appeals and agitations by civil society groups, thereby causing inconvenience and posing risks to public safety.
Download Nagaland Tribune app on Google Play
Following the initial inspection, the Union held a meeting with company officials at its base camp near Sedzü Bridge, where concerns over delays were discussed. An agreement was subsequently signed on March 14, wherein Project Manager, AS Vinod Kumar assured that blacktopping of a 600-metre stretch between Kikruma village and North Kikruma (RD Block) would be completed by April 15.
However, during a follow-up inspection on April 25, PDNCSU found that the company had failed to meet the agreed deadline. A subsequent meeting with Project Manager, AS Vinod Kumar and Structural Engineer, Itobo Assumi, led to the decision to summon the General Manager, Murthy Mahankli, to appear before the union by May 15 to discuss the matter.
The Union warned that failure to comply within the stipulated time would compel it to take its own course of action, holding the company solely responsible for any consequences arising thereafter.
