Kohima, November 10 (MExN): The Chakhesang Students’ Union (CSU) has called for immediate intervention from the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd. (NHIDCL) over what it described as the “continued negligence and unsatisfactory performance” of M/s Ranta Infrastructure Projects Pvt. Ltd., the EPC contractor for the ongoing NH-29 Package-II construction between Chakhabama and Kikrüma.
In a representation addressed to the Executive Director of NHIDCL’s Regional Office in Kohima, the Union expressed “deep concern and strong indignation” over the deteriorating condition of the project and alleged that despite “repeated appeals, representations, and even official actions initiated against the Agency and the Contractor,” the road condition remained “deplorable and hazardous for commuters.”
The CSU stated that “poor workmanship, lack of progress, and complete absence of accountability” had caused “immense hardship to the traveling public, transporters, and local residents alike.”
According to the Union, during a consultative meeting convened by the Deputy Commissioner of Phek on May 14, 2025, at GA Guest House, Pfutsero, both NHIDCL and the EPC contractor M/s Ranta Infrastructure Projects Pvt. Ltd. had assured to repair and maintain the road to remain motorable throughout the monsoon season. The contractor also assured that construction works would resume “in full strength by the second week of October 2025 depending on favourable weather conditions.”
The Union said that to obtain a clearer picture of the project’s progress, it had filed a Right to Information (RTI) request on November 3, 2025, seeking details on both physical and financial progress of the ongoing two-lane project.
“It is deeply regrettable that despite numerous assurances and directions issued by both the Contractor and NHIDCL, there has been no tangible improvement on the ground,” the CSU stated. It accused the contractor of persistently failing to fulfil its contractual obligations and NHIDCL of failing to take “effective corrective measures or penal action against this inefficiency.”
“Such negligence and inaction are unacceptable for a project of national importance,” the statement added.
The Union demanded that NHIDCL take “immediate and decisive intervention” by initiating “stringent disciplinary and contractual actions” against the erring contractor, while ensuring that work is expedited with visible progress and adherence to quality standards.
Warning that failure to act would compel it to “initiate public agitation and democratic actions” against both the Agency and the contractor, the CSU cautioned that NHIDCL and the contractor would be held “fully responsible for any consequences arising thereof.”
