The Chakhesang Students’ Union (CSU) has called upon the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) to immediately terminate the contractor responsible for the ongoing Kohima to Jessami NH-29 Package II road project from Chakhabama to Kikrüma, alleging persistent negligence, prolonged delays and severe hardship to the public.
In a letter addressed to the Executive Director, NHIDCL Regional Office Kohima, the CSU on Thursday expressed appreciation for the decision taken during the recent Project Monitoring Group (PMG) meeting held on 14 November 2025, where members reportedly endorsed the proposal for contract termination. The Union said it welcomed the step, as it acknowledged the “sufferings of the public”.
The CSU stated that this marks the second termination move since M/s Ranta Infrastructure Projects Pvt. Ltd. took over the contract on 4 January 2024. The first termination notice was issued on 13 June 2024.
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Despite the action, the CSU alleged that progress has remained negligible. It said that “the contractor has failed to attend to the site without valid justification, causing undue hardship to the public”, especially given the demanding terrain that requires continuous maintenance.
Citing RTI findings, the CSU said physical progress stands at just 25.70 percent while financial progress is at 25.41 percent, pointing out that expenditure has surpassed the actual development on the ground. The letter stated that at the current pace “the development of the 2-lane highway appears to serve the interests of the contractor rather than the welfare of the public”.
The Union also said that public complaints have risen and that enough concessions have already been given. It declared that it “can no longer tolerate any excuse or further entertain any form of negotiation”. It warned that if the contractor is not terminated, “any kind of public unrest or casualties hereafter to the EPC contractor will be the sole responsibility of the NHIDCL.”
The CSU urged the NHIDCL to take the matter with utmost seriousness and urgency, and to “initiate all necessary corrective measures without further delay to restore public confidence and ensure timely completion of this critical road project.”
