-Promises, delays, and the unfinished journey
By Moa Jamir
Roads are more than just infrastructure; they are the lifelines of development, connectivity, and economic progress. Yet, in Nagaland, persistent delays in road construction and the rapid deterioration of completed projects reveal a systemic failure that continues to hinder public welfare. Recent protests and controversies, legal interventions, and repeated government assurances vividly illustrate the State’s struggle to provide its citizens with basic road connectivity.
The recent student-led protest on National Highway (NH)-2 at Khuzama is a stark reminder of how delayed roadworks and administrative inaction disrupt daily life. Despite multiple appeals and memorandums submitted to authorities, tangible action remains elusive.Similarly, the Kohima Bench of the Gauhati High Court recently issued fresh directives regarding NH-29, highlighting the inefficacy of concerned authorities in ensuring timely and quality execution of road projects.
Both NH-2 and NH-29 are currently subjects of ongoing suo motu public interest litigations in the Kohima Bench. It is evident that judicial interventions have played a crucial role in accelerating the progress of whatever construction has taken place so far.
Elsewhere, the Kohima-Jessami road remains in disrepair, despite repeated protests and representations to the authorities. The Chakhesang Public Organisation (CPO) and the Chakhesang Students' Union (CSU) have recently called on the Union Ministry of Road Transport & Highways for stricter monitoring and third-party audits to ensure quality control. Such concerns reflect the disillusionment over the authorities' failure to deliver on their commitments.
Even when roads are completed, their durability remains questionable. This is a harsh reality experienced by most citizens, who have little recourse for solutions. State roads that are completed often deteriorate within a short period, with stretches crumbling just months or a year after construction. Poor workmanship, lack of stringent monitoring, and an absence of maintenance plans have contributed to this recurring problem.
The controversy surrounding the Nagaland Foothills Road further exemplifies how road construction is not just a technical issue but also a matter of public trust—reflecting the public’s deep-seated skepticism toward the government's ability to deliver, shaped by past precedents.
While the public and civil society organisations play a critical role as watchdogs, it must be acknowledged that their technical expertise in construction and monitoring is limited. Therefore, the most effective course of action is to serve as a strong pressure group—ensuring that those responsible for road projects carry out their duties diligently and with integrity.
Despite the slow progress on the ground, those in positions of power continue to make lofty promises. The PWD (R&B) Minister has pledged to improve the quality of work under his department and recently launched the Online Management and Information System (OMIS), which is meant to enhance transparency and provide real-time updates on road projects. However, whether this initiative will translate into real accountability or remain a symbolic gesture is yet to be seen. If transparency and accountability are truly priorities, the government must demonstrate them through concrete actions.
Similarly, Deputy Chief Minister TR Zeliang has continued to hold periodic review meetings on NH projects, just as he promised last year. Several directives were issued and assurances made during the most recent meeting on March 5, but the question remains—will there be real consequences for non-performance, or will these directives be yet another set of hollow pronouncements?
Nagaland’s roads do not need more promises; they need decisive action. The government must ensure that contracts are executed within stipulated deadlines, defaulting contractors are held accountable, and quality roads are delivered to the people. Judicial pressure, public protests, and media scrutiny have made it clear that citizens are no longer willing to accept empty assurances. It is time to walk the talk on Nagaland’s roads.
For any feedback, drop a line to jamir.moa@gmail.com
