The Chakhesang Students’ Union (CSU) has submitted a representation to Nitin Gadkari, the Union Minister of Road Transport & Highways, highlighting the dire state of the Kohima to Jessami road (Package 2) and the urgent need for its timely completion with high-quality workmanship.
The CSU, representing indigenous tribal communities in Phek district, Nagaland, called Gadkari’s attention to the “alarming neglect and unacceptable delay” in the construction of the Kohima to Jessami road (Package 2), a project supervised by the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) and executed by M/s Ratna Infrastructure Projects Pvt. Ltd. (M/S RIPPL).
In their representation, the CSU condemned the “repeated failure of NHIDCL and the contractor to mobilize proper machinery, deploy sufficient manpower, and adhere to the required construction standards.”
“The poor quality of work and sluggish progress despite repeated engagements have left us with no option but to escalate this matter to your esteemed office for immediate intervention,” the CSU stated.
The Union made six key demands in its representation, urging Gadkari to direct NHIDCL and M/S RIPPL to “immediately deploy proper machinery and adequate manpower to fast-track the construction without further excuses or delays.”
It also called for “strict monitoring and quality control mechanisms by NHIDCL, with periodic inspections to ensure adherence to national highway standards and prevent substandard work,” along with “strict and exemplary action against NHIDCL and EPC Contractor M/S RIPPL for their continuous failure to deliver on their commitments.”
Additionally, the CSU demanded “immediate steps to demonstrate visible progress on the ground, restoring public confidence and ensuring meaningful action replaces mere assurances.”
The Union further pressed for transparent fortnightly progress reports accessible to the public and an independent third-party audit to assess the project’s status and identify discrepancies.
While reaffirming its commitment to peaceful and democratic means, the CSU warned that it would have “no choice but to explore stronger actions in the public’s interest” if corrective measures are not taken immediately.
The CSU expressed hope that Gadkari’s intervention would bring about “the desired change and ensure that the long-pending Kohima to Jessami road project is completed with the quality and urgency it rightfully deserves in the interest of the public.”
CPO 2 Lane Committee condemns negligence in Kohima-Jessami road project
The Chakhesang Public Organization (CPO) 2 Lane Committee for the Kohima-Jessami road has expressed deep anguish over what it calls “total negligence” in the construction of Package 2 by the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) and the contractor, M/s Ratna Infrastructure Projects Pvt. Ltd. (Ratna Company).
The committee stated that NHIDCL has not taken the core issue seriously, questioning why construction at Package 2 has remained stalled despite repeated appeals and pressure.
The committee also opposed the central ministry’s decision to grant further extensions to Ratna Company, despite its “complete failure” to meet its obligations, thereby creating major “obstruction and complications.”
“It is very unfortunate and painful to express that the so-called Ratna Company, despite many promises and assurances to work diligently and deliver a quality road on time, has failed miserably, leaving the public in deep commotion and taking them for a ride,” the committee stated.
Holding NHIDCL accountable for inaction, the CPO 2 Lane Committee demanded that the corporation take full responsibility for its failure to penalize Ratna Company despite multiple complaints and recommendations for termination. It also questioned why NHIDCL has withheld payments to Ratna Company when the firm claims to have completed 11% of the work, as reportedly recommended by the Project Monitoring Group (PMG).
Additionally, the committee questioned NHIDCL’s decision to award ‘work orders’ to what it termed “irresponsible company,” arguing that it has caused “severe stumbling block for public development.”
Warning of strong public action if immediate steps are not taken, the committee urged NHIDCL and the contractor to accelerate the work and comply with maintenance standards before the monsoon season. Failing this, it cautioned that the public will have no option but to take its own course of action.
The statement was issued by CPO 2 Lane Committee convenor Wepe Mekrisuh and secretary Kesilo Tsido.