Chakhesang Students’ Union asks NHIDCL not to extend contractor deadline
Kohima, The Chakhesang Students’ Union (CSU) has formally urged the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) Regional Office in Kohima not to grant any further extension to the engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contractor for the NH‑29 Two‑Lane Kohima–Jessami Road Package‑II project, citing prolonged delay, poor maintenance and hardship to road users.
The CSU said the project, originally due for completion on 4 January 2026, remained incomplete after the contractor, M/s Ratna Infra Projects Pvt. Ltd., missed the deadline. NHIDCL later extended the time for completion up to 24 September 2026, but the Union claimed that even after that six‑month extension only 44.30 per cent of the overall work had been finished.
“The deteriorating road condition has caused immense hardship to the public,”
The Union highlighted the impact on commuters travelling to and from Phek, Kiphire and Meluri districts, saying poor road conditions had affected patients needing urgent medical attention, government officials, traders and other citizens dependent on the route. The CSU also alleged that commuters were stranded for hours and that several accidents had occurred because of inadequate maintenance.
Agreement, inspections and alleged non‑compliance
On 22 June 2026 NHIDCL, the contractor and the CSU signed a six‑point agreement intended to expedite remedial action. The terms included:
- Emergency repairs to be carried out within 48 hours where required.
- Proper maintenance throughout the contract period.
- Mobilisation of machinery and materials within 72 hours.
- Deployment of adequate manpower.
- Completion of 100 per cent of the physical works by 24 September 2026.
- Joint inspections every 20 days.
The CSU said joint inspections conducted on 13 July and 4 August 2026 showed no visible progress and that substantial stretches of the road remained deplorable and unsafe.
| Date | Event | Reported status |
|---|---|---|
| 4 Jan 2026 | Original project completion date | Missed |
| 22 Jun 2026 | Six‑point agreement signed (NHIDCL, contractor, CSU) | Agreement signed |
| 13 Jul 2026 | Joint inspection | No visible progress, per CSU |
| 4 Aug 2026 | Joint inspection | No visible progress, per CSU |
| 24 Sep 2026 | Extended completion deadline granted by NHIDCL | Only 44.30% complete, per CSU |
Union demands and public impact
The CSU has demanded that NHIDCL refuse any further extension to the contractor, arguing that prolonged delays and inadequate maintenance have created a public‑safety issue. The Union specifically pointed to:
- Stranding of commuters for hours on stretches of NH‑29.
- Reported accidents allegedly linked to poor maintenance.
- Disruption to emergency medical access and movement of government and commercial traffic.
The representation was submitted to the NHIDCL Regional Office in Kohima; the CSU urged NHIDCL to enforce the contractual obligations agreed in June and to undertake regular joint inspections with tangible remedial outcomes.
No response from NHIDCL or M/s Ratna Infra Projects Pvt. Ltd. was included in the CSU’s public representation reported on 24 August 2026. The CSU’s assertion of 44.30 per cent completion and the alleged failure to carry out the six‑point agreement are based on the Union’s inspections and reporting.
The NH‑29 corridor is an important link for interior districts in southern Nagaland; delays and poor road conditions risk prolonged disruption to daily commuters, trade and access to healthcare. The CSU’s call places pressure on NHIDCL to either ensure strict compliance by the contractor or consider contractual remedies available under public procurement and project management norms.
Further actions or replies from NHIDCL and the contractor were not reported alongside the CSU’s representation.
