Chakhesang Students' Union intensifies agitation over delay in Kohima–Jessami road project

• Calls for termination of contractor; Kenye criticises NHIDCL’s inaction

Chakhesang Students' Union officials and volunteers continuing their agitation at Kikruma on Wednesday.

• KOHIMA — The Chakhesang Students' Union (CSU) has ramped up its agitation over the prolonged delay in the construction of the NH-29 Kohima to Jessami Road (Package-2), leading to a complete ban on vehicular movement vis-à-vis the National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd. (NHIDCL), EPC contractor M/s Ratna Infra Projects Pvt. Ltd., and government-registered vehicles.
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• The latest round of agitation has been prompted by what the CSU describes as six months of unmet promises and inaction by the authorities and the contractor.
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• CSU President Pfhulo Sara stated on Wednesday that 17 vehicles—16 belonging to NHIDCL and one government-registered—have been seized so far in protest.
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• Sara reiterated that the union began pursuing the issue on October 16, 2024, and despite repeated assurances, no tangible progress has been made on the 21.9 km road stretch between Chakhabama and Kikruma under Package-2. “We are tired of fake promises,” said Sara, warning that the agitation will be further intensified unless urgent corrective actions are taken.

Also read: Chakhesang Students' Union steps up second-phase agitation; 12 vehicles seized

• The CSU has sent a memorandum to the managing director of NHIDCL in New Delhi, demanding: immediate termination of M/s Ratna Infra Projects Pvt. Ltd.; blacklisting of the company from future government contracts; and re-tendering of the project through the Infrastructure Leasing Services (ILS) to ensure quality execution and ease for commuters.
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• The union declared that Ratna Infra Projects will no longer be allowed to operate within the Chakhesang jurisdiction.
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• Government response
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• Responding to the growing unrest, Minister for Power and Parliamentary Affairs KG Kenye on Wednesday criticised the NHIDCL for its "casual and negligent" handling of the project.
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• Speaking to journalists, Kenye said the NHIDCL had taken the matter "too lightly," which has led to public frustration.

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• Kenye, who frequently travels the road himself, acknowledged that the project has dragged on far beyond a reasonable timeframe, with multiple contractor changes contributing to the delay. He affirmed that the government stands with the people and is actively engaging with both the NHIDCL and the CSU to find a peaceful resolution.
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• “We hope the issue can be resolved amicably,” the minister said, adding that administrative officials are closely monitoring the situation.