CPO demands urgent action on delayed NH-29 Kikruma project, files PIL, seeks accountability and completion by September 2026
DIMAPUR — With less than two months remaining before the revised September 2026 completion deadline, the Chakhesang Public Organisation (CPO) has stepped up pressure on the National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) and the executing contractor over prolonged delay in the NH-29 Package-II (Kikruma) project.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the CPO expressed "strong displeasure and serious concern" over what it described as lack of tangible progress and repeated failure in executing the two-lane road project on Kohima-Jessami Road.
The organisation urged NHIDCL and the engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contractor, Ratna Infrastructure Projects Pvt. Ltd., to take immediate corrective measures and ensure completion of the project within the revised September 2026 deadline.
According to the CPO, the project was originally awarded in 2019 with a completion target of June 30, 2022. However, the contract with the previous EPC contractor was terminated after it failed to achieve the required progress.
Although the project was subsequently re-tendered and awarded to Ratna Infrastructure Projects Pvt. Ltd., the organisation alleged that work on the ground continues to remain highly unsatisfactory despite repeated assurances.
The CPO stated that the Project Monitoring Group (PMG) had recommended to NHIDCL that the present contractor be terminated and replaced with a more competent agency capable of completing the project within the stipulated timeframe. However, it expressed concern that the recommendation remains pending with the corporation.
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Describing the Kohima-Jessami Road as a vital lifeline, the CPO said the highway provides critical connectivity to Phek, Meluri and Kiphire districts, besides serving as an important route towards Manipur and the proposed international trade centre at Avangkhu on the Indo-Myanmar border.
It added that the road is indispensable for transportation, trade, education, healthcare, employment, governance and other essential services, particularly in the absence of alternative modes of transport such as railways, waterways or regular air connectivity.
The organisation also criticised NHIDCL for prolonged inaction and failure to enforce accountability, stating that repeated delays and unfulfilled commitments associated with the project amounted to a serious disservice to the public.
Seeking judicial intervention, the CPO informed that it has filed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) before the Kohima Bench of Gauhati High Court seeking effective monitoring and timely completion of the project.
The organisation warned that any further delay would not be viewed lightly and called on NHIDCL and Ratna Infrastructure Projects Pvt. Ltd. to fulfil their contractual obligations, accelerate construction and complete the Package-II Kikruma project within the September 2026 deadline.