The Chakhesang Public Organisation (CPO) has filed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) before the Gauhati High Court, Kohima Bench, seeking judicial intervention over the prolonged delay in the two-laning of NH-29 Package-II at Kikruma along the Kohima–Jessami Road.
In a statement on Sunday, the CPO said the project has faced repeated delays and lack of tangible progress, with the present completion deadline set for September 2026.
The organisation said the project was first tendered in 2019 with a scheduled completion date of June 30, 2022.
According to the CPO, the contract was subsequently terminated after the then EPC contractor failed to achieve the required progress.
Following re-tendering, the project was awarded to Ratna Infrastructure Projects Pvt. Ltd. However, the CPO said the pace of work remains “highly unsatisfactory” despite repeated assurances and commitments.
The organisation further said the Project Monitoring Group (PMG) has recommended to the National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) the termination of Ratna Infrastructure Projects Pvt. Ltd. and its replacement with another agency capable of completing the project within the stipulated timeframe.
The CPO said it was concerned that the recommendation remains pending with NHIDCL.
The organisation has now approached the High Court through its counsel, Neiteo Koza and Associates, seeking appropriate judicial intervention and monitoring for effective execution and timely completion of the project.
The CPO said the Kohima–Jessami corridor is a critical road link for people in Phek, Meluri and Kiphire districts, besides providing connectivity towards Manipur and the International Trade Centre at Avangkhu along the Indo-Myanmar border.
It said the road is relied upon for transportation, trade and commerce, education, healthcare, employment and other essential services, particularly in the absence of viable alternative modes of transport such as railways, waterways or regular air connectivity.
The organisation also urged the Nagaland government to take steps within its jurisdiction and impress upon the concerned authorities to initiate corrective action.
The CPO alleged that the prolonged delay has caused public inconvenience, developmental setbacks and economic loss to communities dependent on the road.
It called upon NHIDCL and Ratna Infrastructure Projects Pvt. Ltd. to accelerate construction and complete Package-II, Kikruma, within the September 2026 deadline.
The CPO said further delay would not be viewed lightly and stressed that accountability and public interest must take precedence in the execution of the project.