The Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) has sought an immediate inquiry into the execution and maintenance of National Highway projects in Nagaland, alleging poor workmanship, prolonged delays and negligence by the National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL).
In a statement, NSF president Mteisuding and general secretary Kenilo Kent said the Dimapur-Kohima four-lane highway has deteriorated considerably over the past four to five years. The students’ body alleged that maintenance has remained inadequate and that there is limited evidence of effective preparedness for the monsoon.
The Federation described the Medziphema-Peducha stretch of NH-29 as particularly hazardous, citing damaged road surfaces, inadequate drainage, deteriorating side structures, poor slope protection and delays in restoration work.
According to the NSF, the stretch becomes more dangerous during the monsoon and at night. It alleged that people have lost their lives and others suffered serious injuries in rockfalls and road-related incidents, which the organisation attributed to alleged negligence by NHIDCL and its contractors.
The NSF has also raised questions over the issuance of a Completion Certificate for Package-II of the Dimapur-Kohima four-lane project. It alleged that several works were still incomplete and that deficiencies remained visible even after the certificate was issued.
The Federation has urged the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) to conduct an immediate inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the issuance of the certificate and determine whether the project met the required standards at the time.
The NSF also pointed to the five-year Defect Liability Period (DLP) applicable to the project, during which the implementing agency is responsible for addressing defects. However, it alleged that NHIDCL has not adequately rectified a number of problems, including collapsing side walls, inadequate drainage, poor slope protection, damaged road surfaces and road-safety deficiencies.
