Workers are seen repairing damaged rockfall protection barriers along NH-29 Tsiedukhru Range in this file photo taken October 29, 2025. (Morung File Photo)
HC demands consolidated affidavit from NHIDCL addressing various issues
Directs agency to ensure road remains usable year-round
Morung Express News
Kohima | November 26
The Gauhati High Court Kohima Bench (GHCKB) on Wednesday directed the National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd (NHIDCL) to file a consolidated affidavit addressing delays, technical lapses, and protection measures concerning the ongoing Dimapur–Kohima four-lane project on National Highway-29.
Resuming the hearing of the suo motu Public Interest Litigation (PIL) on the project, the Division Bench of Justices N. Unni Krishnan Nair and Yarenjungla Longkumer issued the directions after examining submissions from the Amicus Curiae, NHIDCL officials, and other stakeholders.
During the hearing, the Amicus Curiae, among others, drew the court’s attention to the order dated September 24, 2025, highlighting that the respondent authorities had not taken all necessary measures to protect the road from natural calamities.
He also noted that while slope management for Packages I and III was awarded to a contractor and works were carried out, the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for this work was prepared without considering the entire area, leading to damage from debris falling from above the managed extent.
Debris falling from heights beyond the scope of management activities led to total damage of the works, particularly at Chainage 124 to 127 on the Tsiedukhru Range. He also pointed out that river protection and road widening works at the Chathe River were not executed based on a comprehensive technical examination.
In response, the Authority Engineer of the project informed the court that a consultant had been appointed to study the entire hill area covering Chainage 124 to 127, including Packages I, II, and III. Technical data have been collected and are under expert analysis, with a revised DPR expected within two months, he said. Data for the proposed viaduct at Chainage 164 has been sent to IIT Guwahati for expert assessment, and a feasibility report will be submitted soon, after which the NHIDCL authorities will make a decision, he added.
As per the oral order issued by the court, NHIDCL was directed to submit a consolidated affidavit at the next hearing detailing updates on river protection, slope management, and all precautionary measures to ensure the road remains open year-round and undamaged.
The court also asked NHIDCL to include the status of defect liability periods for Packages I and II, clarifying whether they are still in currency or have expired. For Package III, the court asked NHIDCL to provide the progress of ongoing works, including the steel bridge at Chainage 155. The court noted that less than 80% of the road is completed despite undertakings to finish within the stipulated time and directed that progress and timelines be included in the affidavit.
Meanwhile, the court approved the inclusion of the newly appointed contractor for the improvement of the section under the State Government and directed the registry to update case records, issue notices, and furnish a copy of the PIL petition to the new respondent via the Chief Engineer, PWD (National Highways), Nagaland.
The next hearing is scheduled for January 28, by which NHIDCL and other stakeholders are expected to file a detailed affidavit addressing all technical, precautionary, and progress-related concerns.
