Mumbai, Nov. 9 -- The contractor executing the Chakhabama-Kikruma section of National Highway 29 in Nagaland has assured the Joint Action Committee (JAC) that the delayed stretch will be completed by May 15, 2027. The commitment was made amid protests and concerns over the slow progress of the Kohima-Jessami Road project.
The assurance came during a joint physical inspection involving the JAC, representatives of Ratna Infrastructure Project (RIPPL), and leaders of organisations and villages affected by the construction work. The inspection was conducted on Monday, according to a statement issued by the JAC Media Cell.
RIPPL representatives included its authorised signatory, Dr MSN Murthy. Representatives of frontal organisations from Kohima, Phek, Meluri and Kiphire districts also attended the inspection, along with leaders from Kikruma and Kezoma villages.
The exercise began at the company's stone quarry site in Chakhabama and ended at the contractor's base camp in Kikruma. A meeting was held at the camp after the inspection, with the completion deadline forming the central commitment from the contractor.
The JAC has been monitoring the project and pressing for timely completion of the highway. Its latest statement indicated that the May 15, 2027 deadline would be assessed against the progress of construction on the ground as work continues on the section.
The statement did not provide details of the project's construction schedule, the progress achieved so far or specific measures planned to ensure that the contractor adheres to the deadline. The Chakhabama-Kikruma stretch forms part of the Kohima-Jessami highway, which connects areas across the state and has faced continuing delays.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Construction World.