Dimapur: The Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) on Sunday demanded the removal of the National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) from the Dimapur–Kohima four‑lane highway project, alleging “abysmal” workmanship, chronic delays and inadequate maintenance that, it said, have endangered commuters on the route.
NSF cites deterioration on Medziphema–Peducha stretch
In a statement, the NSF identified the Medziphema–Peducha section of National Highway‑29 as particularly affected. The federation said road users have observed progressive deterioration over the last four to five years, with defects in road surfaces, inadequate drainage, failing side structures and poor slope protection.
According to the NSF, these deficiencies have increased the risk of accidents — especially during the monsoon and at night — and it attributed several deaths and serious injuries to rockfalls and other road‑related incidents linked to alleged lapses in slope stabilisation and safety measures.
“The condition of the Medziphema–Peducha stretch remains one of the most vital sections of NH‑29 connecting Dimapur and Kohima, and cannot be allowed to remain a continuing threat to the lives and safety of commuters,” the NSF said.
Completion certificate and defect liability questioned
The NSF also questioned the issuance of a Completion Certificate for Package‑II of the Dimapur–Kohima project, saying the certification appeared to have been granted despite outstanding works and persisting defects. The federation drew attention to the project’s five‑year Defect Liability Period (DLP) and asked why long‑running defects such as collapsing side walls and damaged pavements had not been rectified.
- Primary concern: continuous deterioration and inadequate monsoon preparedness on NH‑29.
- Specific problems listed: damaged road surfaces, inadequate drainage, deteriorating side structures, poor slope protection and delayed restorations.
- NSF demands: removal of NHIDCL from the project and an immediate inquiry by the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways (MoRTH).
Call for MoRTH inquiry, accountability and remedial action
The NSF has urged the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways (MoRTH) to initiate a formal probe into the execution and maintenance of the highway package and to consider replacing NHIDCL as the executing agency if the allegations are substantiated. The federation framed its demand in terms of public safety and the need for timely remedial action under the terms of the project contract and applicable maintenance obligations.
The statement did not include responses from NHIDCL or MoRTH. The NSF asked how a project could be certified complete while significant components remain unfinished and hazardous conditions persist on a principal link between Dimapur and the state capital, Kohima.
| Issue | NSF allegation |
|---|---|
| Road surface | Damaged and deteriorating |
| Drainage | Inadequate, leading to monsoon vulnerability |
| Slope protection | Poor, linked to rockfalls and instability |
| Certification | Completion Certificate issued despite alleged incomplete works |
The NSF named its office‑bearers in the release: Mteisuding as president and Kenilo Kent as general secretary. It framed the demand for administrative action as necessary to safeguard commuters and ensure accountability under the contract’s defect liability provisions.
The Dimapur–Kohima four‑lane corridor is a major arterial link for passenger and freight movement in Nagaland. Any prolonged disruption or deterioration on NH‑29 has implications for safety, travel times and regional commerce. The NSF’s demand now places scrutiny on project oversight and maintenance practices in the state.
Reporting parties did not provide a reply from NHIDCL or confirm any inspection schedules by MoRTH. The federation has called for a prompt independent inquiry and remedial measures to be implemented ahead of the next monsoon season.
