Naga Students’ Federation flags poor workmanship, delays and safety concerns in NHIDCL road projects across Nagaland, demanding inspections and repairs
DIMAPUR — The Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) has accused the National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) of poor workmanship, prolonged delays and “gross negligence” in executing and maintaining road infrastructure projects across Nagaland.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the federation cited the upgraded four-lane Dimapur-Kohima Road as a “glaring example” of compromised construction standards and administrative failure despite the project receiving a Completion Certificate in 2023.
According to the NSF, it had observed damage at several stretches of the highway, including collapsed side walls, inadequate slope protection, poor drainage and lack of timely repair and maintenance.
It stated that the project was under a five-year Defect Liability Period (DLP), but alleged that necessary repair and maintenance works had not been undertaken adequately.
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The federation also alleged that several bridges along the Dimapur-Kohima stretch appeared to have deficiencies in design and execution, including locations where four-lane bridge infrastructure should have been provided in accordance with the upgraded highway standards.
It further flagged the absence of median landscaping and beautification, poor road furniture, inadequate safety barriers and insufficient road indicators, reflective markers and warning signs, saying these posed safety risks, particularly during adverse weather and night travel.
The NSF raised similar concerns over several NHIDCL projects and worksites across Nagaland, including the Kohima Bypass Road, Kohima-Mao Road Upgradation Project, Dimapur Bypass Project, slope protection works along NH-29, Akash Bridge-Jessami Road (NH-202) and Peren-Dimapur Section (NH-129A) Packages II and III.
It questioned why NHIDCL had not initiated disciplinary or punitive action against contractors allegedly responsible for substandard work despite repeated complaints and deficiencies.
It demanded immediate and comprehensive inspection of all NHIDCL projects in the state, along with repair and rectification of defects covered under the DLP.
The NSF also called for completion of pending drainage, slope protection, retaining structures, road safety installations and signage, besides termination and blacklisting of contractors found responsible for substandard work.
It urged the state government to intensify engagement with NHIDCL and take up the matter with the authorities concerned for appropriate action against officials and contractors responsible for alleged lapses.
It added that it would continue monitoring NHIDCL works across the state and warned of “appropriate democratic measures” if alleged negligence, poor workmanship and delays continued.