KOHIMA, FEBRUARY 27 (MExN): The Chakesang Public Organisation (CPO) 2 Lane Committee and the Chakhesang Students' Union (CSU) have expressed deep concern over the prolonged delay and poor execution of the Kohima-Jessami road (Package 2) under the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL).
Both bodies have accused NHIDCL and the contractor, M/s Ratna Infrastructure Projects Pvt. Ltd. (RIPPL), of negligence, lack of accountability, and failure to meet their commitments.
In a statement, the CPO 2 Lane Committee said it was "deeply anguished over the total negligence at Package 2 by NHIDCL and the Ratna Company for not initiating works rather silently sleep over the disastrous road conditions."
The committee questioned NHIDCL’s inaction, stating that the agency "is not serious enough to tackle the core issue” the delay delayed despite of “multiple pressures and requests."
It further opposed any extension of the project to Ratna Infrastructure, citing "its complete failure and noncompliance to its terms and conditions causing huge obstruction and complications."
The committee accused NHIDCL of failing to take action against the contractor despite "several complaints and recommendations for termination for its total negligence to execute the allotted work."
The committee also questioned why NHIDCL had withheld payment from Ratna Infrastructure despite the company’s claim of having completed 11% of the work.
Accordingly, the CPO 2 Lane Committee cautioned to NHIDCL and the EPC contractor, stating that they must "comply with the maintenance and speed up the work projects without further delay before the falls of monsoon season failing which the public will have no option but to take its own course of actions."
Meanwhile, the CSU has taken the matter to the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways, submitting an urgent representation to Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, highlighting the "alarming neglect and unacceptable delay" in road construction.
“Despite numerous representations, ultimatums, and democratic protests by the CSU, NHIDCL and M/S RIPPL have repeatedly failed to take proper action toward the timely and quality completion of the road project,” it alleged.
It further accused NHIDCL of allowing the situation to deteriorate to a point where the project now "appears to be completely abandoned, with no visible machinery stationed at the worksite in recent times."
The CSU emphasised that the failure of NHIDCL and M/S RIPPL to deliver on their commitments has "severely impacted commuters, disrupted daily life, and hampered the socio-economic progress of the region." The union further described the situation as "deliberate negligence" that reflects "a blatant disregard for public welfare and accountability."
The letter also highlighted that, despite several rounds of engagement, the roadwork has remained sluggish and of substandard quality.
Calling for urgent intervention, the CSU urged the ministry to "direct the NHIDCL Executive Director, RO, Kohima, and M/S RIPPL to immediately deploy proper machinery and adequate manpower to fast-track the construction without further excuses or delays."
The union also demanded "strict monitoring and quality control mechanisms by NHIDCL, with periodic inspections to ensure adherence to national highway standards and prevent substandard work."
To ensure greater transparency and accountability, the CSU called on the ministry to "mandate NHIDCL to submit fortnightly progress reports to the Ministry and make them accessible to the public." It also urged the government to "conduct an independent third-party audit to verify NHIDCL’s compliance with quality standards, assess the current status of the project, and identify any discrepancies in workmanship or materials."
Additionally, the union called for "strict and exemplary action” against NHIDCL and EPC Contractor for their continuous failure to deliver on their commitments and ensure that such irresponsibility is not tolerated."
It insisted that immediate steps be taken to demonstrate "visible progress on the ground, restoring public confidence and ensuring meaningful action replaces mere assurances."
The CSU made a strong appeal to Minister Gadkari to personally intervene and "pressurize the concerned agency and contractor to deliver quality work on time, without further inconvenience to the people." The union stated that while it remains committed to "peaceful and democratic means," if corrective measures are not taken immediately, it "will have no choice but to explore stronger actions in the public’s interest."
