In a display of solidarity with the Chakhesang Students’ Union (CSU) ongoing agitation, the Pfutsero Town Business Association (PTBA) has expressed its support to the CSU’s demand for the immediate resumption and timely completion fo the Chakhabama—Kikruma section under Package 2 of the Kohima—Jessami Road project.
The Assoca strongly condemned the delay in completing the project which has witnessed negligible progress despite being sanctioned under the Government of India’s flagship Bharatmala Pariyojana.
“The persistent inaction by the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) and the executing contractor, Ratna Infrastructure Project Pvt. Ltd., where the contract was under the EPS Mode, has severely disrupted regional connectivity and transportation,” stated the PTBA in a press release issued on May 12.
Vekusu Chuzho, Vice President of the Phek District Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PDCCI) and President of PTBA, expressed serious concern over NHIDCL’s lack of effective planning, oversight, monitoring, and enforcement. He highlighted that large portions of the road remain impassable, particularly during the monsoon season, leaving trucks and essential vehicles stranded for hours or days. This has led to the damage of goods and vehicles, inflated transportation costs, and significant disruption to trade, mobility, and economic activity in the region.
Chuzho also extended full support and solidarity to the Chakhesang Students’ Union (CSU) for their proactive stance in defending public welfare and infrastructure rights. The CSU’s ongoing agitation reflects the collective frustration of the community and underscores the urgent need for corrective action, stated the press release.
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Truvi Rhi, Joint Secretary of PDCCI and General Secretary of PTBA, stressed that the delay constitutes a clear violation of contractual and statutory obligations under the Indian Contract Act, 1872, the National Highways Act, 1956, and the Right to Service framework. These legal provisions mandate the timely and efficient delivery of public infrastructure. Rhi warned that if urgent measures are not implemented, PTBA will be compelled to escalate the matter by filing formal complaints through the Centralized Public Grievance Redress and Monitoring System (CPGRAMS), submitting a petition to the Managing Director of NHIDCL in New Delhi, and notifying the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) for appropriate redressal and disciplinary action.
Meanwhile the PTBA Media Secretary, Huveta Thuluo, a supplier of essential goods in Pfutsero, stated that the people of Pfutsero and the wider Chakhesang region have shown remarkable patience in the face of prolonged hardship. “However, continued neglect will no longer be tolerated. The delay is not merely a management failure, it is a violation of the people’s right to safe transportation, economic opportunity, and public safety,” stated the press release.
It, therefore, demanded the immediate resumption and timely completion of the Chakhabama—Kikruma road project, full restoration of the route to a motorable condition, and the institution of a robust system for continuous maintenance and oversight to ensure long-term infrastructure sustainability.
