The Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) has expressed serious concern over the poor workmanship, prolonged delays, and negligence in road infrastructure projects undertaken by the National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) across Nagaland.
In a press release, NSF president Mteisuding and general secretary Kenilo Kent pointed out that the upgraded four-lane Dimapur-Kohima road remained a glaring example of compromised construction standards and administrative failure. Despite a completion certificate being issued in 2023, several stretches remained in poor condition, with damaged sections, collapsing side walls, inadequate slope protection and drainage systems, poor maintenance, and delayed repairs.
The federation questioned why necessary repair and maintenance works had not been undertaken, given that the project was under a five-year Defect Liability Period (DLP). This raised questions over the quality of construction, supervision, and accountability of NHIDCL and contractors. NSF also alleged deficiencies in the design and execution of several bridges along the Dimapur-Kohima stretch, with some locations lacking four-lane bridge infrastructure conforming to upgraded highway standards.
The federation further raised concerns over the absence of median beautification and landscaping, poor road furniture, inadequate safety barriers, and insufficient road indicators, reflective markers, and warning signs. These posed risks to public safety, particularly during adverse weather and night travel. NSF alleged that despite repeated public grievances and visible deterioration, NHIDCL had been slow to address defects and complete pending works.
Similar concerns had emerged from several districts and project sites, including the Kohima bypass, Kohima-Mao road upgradation, Dimapur bypass, slope protection works along NH-29, Akash Bridge-Jessami Road (NH-202), and Peren-Dimapur section (NH-129A) Packages II and III. NSF demanded an immediate comprehensive inspection of all NHIDCL projects in Nagaland and repair and rectification of defects covered under DLP provisions. It also called for completion of pending works and termination and blacklisting of contractors found responsible for substandard work.
NSF urged the state government to intensify engagement with NHIDCL for timely completion and proper maintenance of projects and to take up appropriate disciplinary action against concerned officials and contractors for alleged lapses. The federation warned that continued negligence, poor workmanship, delays, and compromised quality would compel it to initiate appropriate democratic measures in the larger interest of the Naga people.
