Mumbai, Nov. 6 -- The Joint Action Committee of the NH-29 Kohima-Jessami Road conducted a physical inspection of Package-II on Monday, covering the highway stretch between Chakhabama and Kikruma in Nagaland. Representatives of Ratna Infrastructure Project (RIPPL), including authorised project signatory Dr MSN Murthy, joined the inspection along with representatives of frontal organisations from Kohima, Phek, Meluri and Kiphire districts and leaders from Kikruma and Kezoma villages.

The inspection began at RIPPL's stone plant quarry site at Chakhabama and ended at the company's base camp at Kikruma, where the participants held an official meeting. JAC media cell convenor Kuzhovesa Soho said the visit was intended to assess the progress and practical challenges affecting the project.

JAC convenor Vivolie Kezo raised concerns over what he described as a lack of commitment by the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation (NHIDCL) and the contractor. He said repeated extensions had not produced tangible progress and alleged that the work did not conform to tender specifications. Kezo also cited inadequate machinery, manpower and raw materials, along with fuel shortages and delays in staff salary payments.

Kezo said RIPPL had received the project award on January 5, 2024, with January 4, 2026, set as the scheduled completion date. He urged Murthy to address public concerns and provide written assurances, while cautioning that continued delays could lead to untoward incidents. JAC members also raised technical issues and questioned the company's handling of the construction.

Murthy assured the committee that RIPPL remained committed to quality work and said practical difficulties involving the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways had been resolved. He stated that substantial work would resume after November 15, 2026, and assured the committee that the project would be completed by May 15, 2027, in line with the ministry's revised timeline.

JAC said it would monitor the work and cooperate with the company for the time being. However, it warned that failure to honour the assurances would prompt it to approach higher authorities and initiate appropriate action.

Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Construction World.