2 hrs ago
Nagaland Student Group Threatens NH-29 Blockade Over Delays
A student group in Nagaland is unhappy because part of an important highway is still unfinished.
The group says the contractor has had repeated chances and extensions to complete the work.
It says only 44.30 per cent of the project is finished.
The group also says there are not enough machines, workers or road maintenance.
On Friday, it sealed the contractor’s work camp at North Kikruma.
It has asked NHIDCL to remove the contractor within 72 working hours.
If that does not happen, the group says it will block the highway starting September 30.
The highway is important for people in several Nagaland districts and nearby parts of Manipur.
The Chakhesang Students Union gave NHIDCL 72 hours to replace or terminate the contractor on the delayed NH-29 project.
The union sealed the contractor’s base camp at North Kikruma and said it would not permit further work under the package.
The Chakhabama-Kikruma package was awarded on October 10, 2023, with an initial completion date of January 4, 2026.
The contractor’s extended deadline expired on September 24, while reported physical progress stood at 44.30 per cent.
The CSU threatened a total blockade of the Kohima-Jessami Road from September 30 unless NHIDCL begins fresh tendering.
- Who
- The Chakhesang Students Union, NHIDCL and the contractor executing the Chakhabama-Kikruma highway package.
- What
- The CSU issued a 72-hour ultimatum demanding that NHIDCL replace or terminate the contractor and start fresh tendering.
- Where
- The dispute concerns the Chakhabama-Kikruma stretch of NH-29, including the contractor’s base camp at North Kikruma in Nagaland.
- When
- The ultimatum was issued on Friday, after the extended deadline expired on September 24; a blockade was threatened from September 30.
- Why
- The CSU alleges prolonged construction delays, inadequate resources and unmet commitments, which it says have caused hardship for highway users.
CSU’s position
NHIDCL and contractor response
Project delay
CSU’s position
The CSU says the contractor failed to complete the work despite repeated extensions and that progress remained at 44.30 per cent.
NHIDCL and contractor response
The articles do not report a response from NHIDCL or the contractor to the allegations.
Next steps
CSU’s position
The CSU wants NHIDCL to terminate or replace the contractor and initiate fresh tendering within 72 working hours.
NHIDCL and contractor response
The articles do not state NHIDCL’s position on termination, replacement or fresh tendering.
Highway access
CSU’s position
The CSU says it will begin a total blockade from September 30 if its demand is not met.
NHIDCL and contractor response
No response from NHIDCL or the contractor regarding the threatened blockade is reported.
Key facts
- Organisation
- Chakhesang Students Union
- Government agency
- National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited
- Project
- Chakhabama-Kikruma package on the NH-29 Kohima-Jessami Road
- Reported progress
- 44.30 per cent
- Extended deadline
- September 24
- Ultimatum
- 72 working hours
- Threatened action
- Total highway blockade from September 30
Quotes
Povozo Soho
President of the Chakhesang Students Union
“We cannot tolerate anymore”
theprint.in
telegraphindia.com
Sources
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