Phek, November 20 (MExN): The Chakhesang Students’ Union (CSU) has welcomed the Project Monitoring Group’s (PMG) decision to approve the termination of the contractor for the Kohima–Jessami NH-29, Package-II (Chakhabama–Kikrüma), citing prolonged public suffering and negligible progress on the ground.
In a letter addressed to the Executive Director of the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd. (NHIDCL), Regional Office, Kohima, the Union conveyed appreciation for the resolution adopted during the PMG meeting held on November 14, which formally approved and forwarded the termination of the contract.
However, the CSU noted that this marks the second termination recommendation since M/s Ratna Infrastructure Projects Pvt. Ltd. (RIPL) assumed the contract on January 4, 2024.
Despite this, it stated, there has been “negligible progress and recurring inconsistencies” in the execution of the work. The first termination notice was issued on June 13, 2024.
According to the Union, overall progress has remained “persistently slow,” and although the terrain requires year-round maintenance, the contractor has “failed to attend to the site without valid justification,” causing continued hardship to commuters and the public.
Citing an RTI report, the CSU said the project has recorded only 25.70% physical progress and 25.41% financial progress, with expenditure outpacing actual work achieved on the ground. At this trajectory, it asserted, the development of the 2-lane highway appears to benefit the contractor more than meeting the public’s longstanding demand for a dependable and quality road.
The Union further stated that the contractor’s “incompetence” has triggered repeated public outcry and that sufficient leniency has already been extended. It declared that it would no longer entertain excuses or negotiations. The CSU warned that any public unrest or casualties arising hereafter in relation to the EPC contractor would be the “sole responsibility of the NHIDCL.”
In view of the above, the Union urged NHIDCL to treat the issue with “utmost seriousness and urgency” and to initiate corrective measures without delay to restore public confidence and ensure timely completion of the critical road project.
