CSU demands termination of NH-29 Package-II contractor and fresh tender, citing delayed work and poor road conditions in Nagaland
KOHIMA — The Chakhesang Students' Union (CSU) on Wednesday staged a peaceful agitation at Glory Peak Junction, Menyitsuda colony, Pfutsero, demanding termination of EPC contractor Ratna Infrastructure Projects Pvt. Ltd. from NH-29 Kohima-Jessami Road Package-II and fresh tendering of the remaining work.
The union also sought accountability from the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd (NHIDCL), alleging failure to ensure timely and proper execution of the project.
In a representation to the Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, the CSU said the deplorable condition and prolonged delay in completing the 21.90-km Package-II stretch, from existing Km 30.474 near Kidwema Road, Chakhabama, to existing Km 53.220 near Kikruma village, had caused immense hardship to the public.
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It claimed that the condition of the road had contributed to accidents, loss of lives, stranded commuters, economic losses and health hazards, while inadequate maintenance had further compounded the difficulties.
According to the union, the project was awarded to Ratna Infrastructure on October 10, 2023, with a scheduled completion date of January 4, 2026. However, the contractor failed to complete the work within the stipulated period.
The CSU said it had first approached the Union ministry through the Governor of Nagaland on February 27, 2025, seeking intervention for timely completion of the road with adequate machinery and quality workmanship.
Despite its concerns, the union said, NHIDCL granted an Extension of Time (EoT) to the contractor up to September 24, 2026.
The CSU said a six-point agreement was subsequently signed between the union, NHIDCL and Ratna Infrastructure on June 22, 2026, to facilitate completion of the project. It claimed that it had extended cooperation and helped resolve land-related and other issues affecting the work.
The union, however, alleged that the contractor continued to deploy inadequate machinery and labour and failed to undertake necessary road maintenance.
Even after expiry of the EoT on September 24, the CSU said, overall physical progress stood at only about 44%, which it cited as evidence of the contractor’s inability to execute the project effectively.
The union also referred to its August 24 representation to the executive director of NHIDCL, Regional Office, Kohima, urging that no further EoT be granted to Ratna Infrastructure. It had also sought immediate restoration of vulnerable and severely damaged stretches and daily maintenance of the entire project stretch to ensure safe and uninterrupted movement.
The CSU’s charter of demands includes termination of Ratna Infrastructure within 14 days, fresh tendering of the remaining work within 14 days, and continued maintenance of the road until completion of the project.
It warned that failure to address the demands would compel it to initiate further courses of agitation, holding the ministry responsible for failing to address the hardships faced by the public.