Nagaland: HC seeks progress report on Kohima-Mao highway restoration

DIMAPUR — The Kohima Bench of Gauhati High Court has directed the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) to submit an updated progress report on the restoration of Kohima-Mao stretch of National Highway 2 by the end of October.

Hearing a suo motu public interest litigation on Wednesday, a bench of Justices Manish Choudhury and Yarenjungla Longkumer reviewed the status of road works after a 130-metre section near Phesama collapsed due to landslide and sinking earlier this year.

The court was informed that the damaged portion was partially restored and opened for light motor vehicles on August 23, and for six-wheeler trucks up to 20 tonnes on September 3. Movement of heavier vehicles, including water tankers and paramilitary vehicles remains suspended.

Also read: Court stays NHIDCL’s fresh tender; directs contractor to complete Kohima-Mao stretch of road by May

NH-02 Kohima-Mao project: Less than 7% progress in 2 months

NHIDCL officials told the court that full restoration of the affected stretch is expected to be completed by November 2025. The officials also submitted that the process of acquiring land for realignment of the NH-2 has achieved satisfactory progress and details would be placed on record in the next affidavit.

The court noted delays in a separate short-term maintenance contract awarded to Vechupa Rose and Co. for the 26.7-km Kohima-Mao stretch. The work order, valued at INR 15.84 crore, was issued in February 2025 with a completion deadline of May 30. However, NHIDCL reported that only 62% progress had been achieved as of September 15.

Read more: Kohima-Mao road reopens at Phesama after restoration, traffic allowed under strict regulations

Authorities said “slow progress” notices had been served on the contractor in April and June, while adverse monsoon conditions were cited as an additional factor slowing down blacktopping works. NHIDCL projected that the remaining work would be completed by November 25, subject to weather improvements.

The court directed NHIDCL and the Authority Engineer to file fresh affidavits on the progress of restoration and realignment works before the next hearing, scheduled for November 12.