RIPPL assures JAC that NH-29 Kohima-Jessami Road construction from Chakhabama to Kikruma will be completed by May 15, 2027
DIMAPUR — Ratna Infrastructure Project Private Limited (RIPPL) has assured the Joint Action Committee (JAC) of National Highway-29 (NH-29) Kohima-Jessami Road that the ongoing road construction work will be completed by May 15, 2027, following a joint physical inspection of Package-II from Chakhabama to Kikruma on Monday.
According to a press statement issued by the JAC media cell, the assurance was given by RIPPL’s authorised signatory for the project, Dr. MSN Murthy, during a meeting held after the inspection.
He said that the practical difficulties and issues concerning the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) had been resolved and that large-scale construction work would resume shortly after November 15.
He also urged the public to cooperate with the company.
The inspection was conducted under the initiative of the JAC, with participation from RIPPL officials and representatives of frontal organisations from Kohima, Phek, Meluri and Kiphire districts, along with leaders from Kikruma and Kezoma villages.
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The team began its inspection at RIPPL’s stone plant quarry site in Chakhabama and concluded at the company’s base camp in Kikruma, followed by an official meeting.
Addressing the meeting, JAC convenor Vivolie Kezo expressed concern over what he described as NHIDCL’s lack of commitment to the execution of the NH-29 Kohima-Jessami Road project, particularly the Chakhabama-Kikruma stretch.
He alleged that repeated extensions had been granted for the project without adequate progress, while public concerns remained unaddressed.
Kezo urged the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) to approach the project with the seriousness and sincerity it deserved before any untoward incident occurred.
He stated that RIPPL was awarded the project on January 5, 2024, with a scheduled completion date of January 4, 2026.
However, he alleged that the contractor had repeatedly sought extensions instead of completing the work within the stipulated timeframe.
Read more: Nagaland: Kohima-Jessami NH-29 work at 44%
Expressing dissatisfaction with RIPPL’s performance, Kezo alleged that the company had repeatedly failed to fulfil its assurances and commitments.
He also raised concerns over the quality of work, claiming it did not meet tender specifications, and pointed to the reported lack of adequate machinery, manpower and raw materials.
He further cited issues such as frequent fuel shortages and delays in salary payments to staff as factors contributing to the slow progress.
Kezo urged Murthy to address the concerns of the people sincerely and provide a written assurance to help establish better understanding and effective cooperation.
The JAC said it respected and appreciated the assurances given by RIPPL and would continue to mobilise support for the company’s work.
However, it cautioned that it would not remain a silent spectator if shortcomings or inefficiencies were detected, adding that RIPPL would be held responsible for any untoward incidents or consequences arising from such failures.
JAC members also raised technical concerns regarding the ongoing construction and questioned the company over what they described as prolonged inefficiency and disregard for the aspirations of the people.
The committee stated that the public had lost patience and trust in the contractor over the years.
However, following Murthy’s personal presence and assurances, the JAC had decided to extend cooperation to RIPPL once again, for the time being.
It warned that failure to fulfil the commitments would prompt the committee to take the concerns of the people to higher authorities and initiate appropriate action.