JAC alleges inadequate machinery, manpower and materials; RIPPL assures large-scale resumption of work after November 15
The contractor executing Package-II of National Highway-29 (Kohima–Jessami Road) has assured completion of the ongoing project by May 15, 2027, following a joint physical inspection by the Joint Action Committee (JAC) and representatives of Ratna Infrastructure Project Private Limited (RIPPL) on Monday.
During the inspection covering the stretch from Chakhabama to Kikruma, RIPPL authorised signatory Dr. MSN Murthy assured that the “massive continuation of works” would resume shortly after November 15, 2026, stating that the “pragmatic difficulties and problems” in the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) had been resolved.
Murthy further assured that the ongoing project would be completed by May 15, 2027, adding that the date was based on a directive from the ministry. He also urged the people to cooperate with the company.
The inspection was initiated by the JAC of NH-29 Kohima–Jessami Road and was attended by RIPPL officials, including Murthy, as well as representatives of frontal organisations from Kohima, Phek, Meluri and Kiphire districts and leaders from Kikruma and Kezoma villages.
According to a press statement issued by the JAC Media Cell, the inspection began at the RIPPL stone plant quarry site at Chakhabama and culminated at the company’s base camp at Kikruma, followed by an official meeting.
Addressing the meeting, JAC Convenor Vivolie Kezo highlighted what he described as the “insufficient commitment” of the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) in executing the Kohima–Jessami Road project, particularly the Chakhabama–Kikruma stretch.
He said that instead of delivering results, NHIDCL had “repeatedly granted extension for the working period while ignoring the voices of the general public”. Kezo urged the corporation to approach the project with the “seriousness and sincerity it deserves before any untoward incident occurs”.
According to Kezo, RIPPL was awarded the project on January 5, 2024, with a scheduled completion date of January 4, 2026. However, he expressed dissatisfaction over what he described as the contractor’s repeated failure to deliver on its assurances and promises.
Kezo alleged that RIPPL had not maintained the quality of work according to tender standards and that sufficient machinery, manpower and raw materials were rarely available at the worksite.
He also cited frequent fuel shortages and delays in the payment of staff salaries as factors contributing to the slow progress of the project.
Urging Murthy to address the basic problems affecting the people, Kezo appealed to him to provide a written assurance to establish better understanding and effective cooperation.
The JAC, while appreciating RIPPL’s assurances, stated that it would continue to “mobilised the working system of the Ratna” and extend full support and cooperation to the company.
However, it cautioned that it would not remain a “silent spectator” if any loopholes or inefficiencies were detected, adding that RIPPL would be held solely responsible for any untoward incidents and consequences arising thereafter.
The committee also said its members had raised several technical aspects of the ongoing work and questioned the contractor over what it described as inefficiency and ignorance towards the aspirations of the people over the years.
The JAC stated that people in the area had already “lost their patience and trust” in the contractor. However, following the personal presence of the authorised signatory and the assurances and commitments given by him, the committee had decided to cooperate with RIPPL once again.
It warned that failure to fulfil the assurances would compel the JAC to take the people’s concerns to higher authorities and initiate action as deemed fit.
The meeting was chaired by JAC Co-Convenor Mutsikhoyo Yhobu, while Co-Convenor Dusahe Noho invoked God’s blessings.
The joint inspection and meeting come after the original scheduled completion date of January 4, 2026, as cited by the JAC. The contractor’s latest assurance has now set May 15, 2027, as the target for completion.
