NH-29 project has entered a fresh phase of tension in Nagaland after the Chakhesang Students Union (CSU) issued a 72-hour ultimatum to the National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) over delayed work on the Kohima-Jessami road.
The student body demanded termination of the contractor and fresh tendering for Package-II. It also sealed the base camp at North Kikruma on September 25 and warned of a blockade from September 30 if NHIDCL does not act.
The dispute centres on the Chakhabama-Kikruma package. According to the CSU, M/s Ratna Infrastructure Projects Pvt Ltd received the contract on October 10, 2023, with the original completion deadline set for January 4, 2026.
NHIDCL later granted an extension until September 24, 2026. That extended deadline has now expired. The CSU said the package had reached only 44.30% physical progress despite the extension.
Student body demands action on NH-29 project
The CSU said it has raised concerns about the NH-29 project for about two years. In its latest memorandum to the NHIDCL regional office in Kohima, the union demanded immediate termination of the contractor.
It also called for fresh tendering within 72 working hours after the latest extension expired. The demand follows several earlier efforts to accelerate construction and address concerns over the road’s condition.
The union said the project has caused hardship for highway users. It described NH-29 as an important route for residents of Phek, Meluri and Kiphire districts, as well as adjoining areas of Manipur.
The CSU also alleged that the contractor did not deploy enough machinery, labour and manpower. It said parts of the route remained in poor or unmotorable condition.
June agreement sets earlier targets
The latest confrontation follows a six-point agreement signed on June 22 between the CSU, NHIDCL and the contractor. The agreement followed an earlier ultimatum over delays in the NH-29 project.
According to All India Radio’s June 23 report, the agreement required emergency repairs and restoration within 48 hours to make the road motorable. It required mobilisation of machinery, materials and manpower within 72 hours.
The agreement set September 24, 2026, as the deadline for completing 100% of the physical works. However, the CSU now says the contractor failed to meet the agreed targets. The union also cited joint inspections in July and August, claiming they did not produce significant improvement.
NH-29 project blockade warning starts September 30
After sealing the base camp at North Kikruma, the CSU said it would not permit the contractor to continue work under the package. It has warned that failure by NHIDCL to meet its demands within 72 working hours will trigger a total blockade of NH-29 from September 30.
The proposed action could affect residents, traders, students, patients and government personnel using the route. However, the blockade remains a stated warning by the student body and is not an established event at this stage.
The CSU also alleged that poor road conditions and inadequate maintenance have created difficulties for commuters. It claimed that accidents have occurred, but those claims remain allegations by the organisation.
Wider concerns over Nagaland highway delays
The dispute over the NH-29 project comes amid wider concerns about delayed highway works in Nagaland. In a July response in Parliament, Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari said 14 National Highway projects in the state sanctioned during the previous five financial years had exceeded their original completion deadlines.
The Centre cited several possible causes across those projects, including land acquisition, statutory clearances, utility shifting, encroachment removal, law and order issues, contractor performance and force majeure events. The government also noted that extensions can be granted under contractual provisions when delays arise from factors beyond a contractor’s control.
The immediate focus is now on the CSU’s 72-hour demand and NHIDCL’s response. The student body wants the existing contractor removed and the remaining work put out for fresh tendering. Unless the dispute is resolved within the stated timeframe, the threatened September 30 blockade could add another disruption to a road already facing prolonged construction delays.