A diversion sign stands on one lane of National Highway-29 in the Tsiedukhru range on April 22, 2026. With the arrival of the monsoon, vehicles continue to be diverted amid safety concerns. On August 27, the Gauhati High Court, Kohima Bench issued various directions, including for repair works on the Dimapur–Kohima four-lane project. (Morung File Photo)
Morung Express News
Dimapur | August 27
The Gauhati High Court, Kohima Bench, on Wednesday directed the personal appearance of the contractor concerned and the Executive Engineer, Nagaland PWD (National Highway), while also orally directing repair works on Packages I and II of the NH-29 Dimapur–Kohima four-lane project to be completed within three weeks.
The detailed order arising from the August 27 hearing was yet to be uploaded at the time of filing. The report is therefore based on the oral proceedings before the Court and its previous order dated June 3, 2026, with the specific directions subject to the formal order.
The proceedings form part of the Court’s continuing monitoring of the road project under a suo motu PIL instituted in 2019. Highlighting the prolonged nature of the matter, Amicus Curiae Taka Masa told the Bench that Wednesday marked his 77th appearance in the case.
During the hearing, the Amicus referred to the status of works on the stretch between Jotsoma bypass and Lerie Welcome Gate, where he said the reported physical progress remained at “zero”. He stressed the need for urgent action, particularly proper maintenance and the filling of potholes, citing the poor condition of the road during the monsoon.
The Court then directed the personal appearance of the contractor concerned and the Executive Engineer, Nagaland PWD (National Highway), in connection with the issue.
The Amicus also referred to the Court’s earlier directions regarding maintenance of Packages I and II. In its June 3 order, the Court had observed that if maintenance was not being carried out, it was the duty of NHIDCL to take action against the erring contractor.
During Wednesday’s hearing, NHIDCL’s counsel submitted that a contractor had been deployed for maintenance under Package I.
During Wednesday’s hearing, NHIDCL’s counsel submitted that a contractor had been deployed for maintenance under Package I. Regarding Package II, counsel informed the Court that the work remained under the contractor’s defect liability period and that, as per instructions received during the hearing, the authority had already taken a decision to engage a new contractor.
The Court, however, pressed for a clear timeline for repairs, observing that the monsoon could not be an excuse for failing to carry out necessary works, including filling potholes. It subsequently orally directed that repair works on both Packages I and II be completed within three week.
The status of Package III was also discussed. Counsel for the contractor submitted that about 90 per cent of the work had been completed, while the Amicus referred to an earlier affidavit indicating that the work was expected to be completed by the end of August.
In its June 3 order, the Court had directed the Chief Engineer, PWD (National Highway), to submit an updated progress report on the Jotsoma bypass–Lerie Welcome Gate stretch. It had also directed NHIDCL to update the Court on Package III, the cutting of a hillock and widening of the riverbed under Package I, besides maintenance of Packages I and II.
The matter was subsequently fixed for further hearing on September 9.
