The Chakhesang Students' Union (CSU) has urged Union Minister for Road Transport & Highways, Shri Nitin Gadkari, to take immediate action to resolve the long-standing delay in the construction of the Kohima-Jessami road (Package 2). Representing the indigenous communities of Phek district, CSU expressed its frustration over the negligence shown by the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) and the contractor, M/s Ratna Infrastructure Projects Pvt. Ltd. (RIPPL).
In a formal appeal to the Minister, CSU highlighted how the delay has caused inconvenience to daily commuters and hindered the region’s overall development. Despite several complaints, protests, and official communications, NHIDCL and RIPPL have failed to ensure timely progress and maintain the quality of work.
According to CSU, the project now appears abandoned, with no machinery or visible work happening on the ground. The union criticized NHIDCL and the contractor for not deploying sufficient workers, necessary equipment, and for failing to maintain the required construction standards.
CSU’s Major Requests:
- Immediate deployment of workers and machinery to speed up construction.
- Regular monitoring by NHIDCL to maintain work quality.
- Holding NHIDCL and RIPPL accountable for repeated negligence.
- Visible progress on-site to regain public confidence.
- Fortnightly progress reports to ensure transparency.
- A third-party audit to check compliance with national quality standards.
CSU has strongly urged Minister Gadkari to take strict measures against the agencies responsible. The union warned that if corrective actions are not taken soon, it may have to resort to stronger public demonstrations to push for justice.
The representation has also been sent to key government officials, including the Deputy Chief Minister, legislators from Phek district, NHIDCL officials, the Deputy Commissioner of Phek, and various community organizations. While CSU remains committed to peaceful advocacy, it emphasized the urgent need for immediate government intervention.
The delay in the Kohima-Jessami road project has significantly impacted the local population, and growing demands for swift action reflect the seriousness of the situation. (PR)