The Chakhesang Students’ Union (CSU) has issued a seven-day ultimatum to the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL), demanding urgent action over what it described as the “pathetic state” of the Kohima-Jessami Road (Package 2).
In a letter addressed to the Executive Director of NHIDCL Regional Office Kohima, the Union expressed “its strongest condemnation and utmost displeasure towards the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) and EPC Contractor M/s Ratna Infrastructure Project Pvt Ltd for their gross negligence and continued failure to ensure the timely development and maintenance” of the road.
According to the CSU, despite “multiple official representations” and “seven separate official inspections,” no “significant progress or tangible development has been made” on the crucial road stretch. The Union cited seven reference letters submitted between October 2024 and April 2025, including CSU/PR/07/2024-26 dated 16/10/2024 and CSU/NT/18/2024-26/07 dated 17/04/2025, among others.
“With the monsoon season fast approaching, the current deplorable and worsening condition of the road poses a serious threat to commuters, severely hampers mobility, and stands as a glaring example of administrative apathy,” the CSU stated.
It went on to describe “the continued negligence and lack of accountability from the concerned agencies” as “utterly unacceptable” and a “gross disregard for public welfare and infrastructure responsibility.”
The CSU has listed four urgent demands to be addressed within seven days:
· Fill Potholes – “Repair all potholes to ensure safe and smooth travel.”
· Clear Road Blockages – “Remove landslide debris and other blockages to restore unhindered vehicle movement; round-the-clock maintenance must be ensured.”
· Provide Drainage – “Construct proper drainage systems to withstand the impact of the monsoon.”
· Mitigate Rockfall and Landslides – “Implement precautionary measures to safeguard travelers and minimize further damage.”
The Union further stressed that “urgent repair and maintenance work be undertaken without delay,” adding that “proper drainage and water management infrastructure” must be integrated “to ensure durability and safety.” It also urged that “construction of the remaining portions must continue at a fast pace so that a good and reliable road is made available to commuters at the earliest.”
Warning of consequences, the CSU concluded that “failure to act within the stipulated time frame will compel the Union to initiate stricter forms of protest and action, for which the concerned agencies will be held fully responsible.”
Declaring its commitment to the rights and safety of the people, the CSU affirmed that it “will not remain a silent spectator to this prolonged injustice and institutional failure.”