Kohima: The Chakhesang Students’ Union is demanding an end to deadline extensions for the Kohima-Jessami Road Package-II. They want the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited to stop giving extra time to contractor Ratna Infra Projects Pvt. Ltd. The project remains stalled. Only 44.30% of the work is done.
Construction was supposed to wrap up on January 4, 2026. The contractor already missed that target and received an extension until September 24, 2026. This road is a vital link for people in Phek, Kiphire, and Meluri districts. Traders, students, and patients rely on it every day. The union stated, "The road serves as a lifeline for thousands of people."
Commuters sit stranded for hours while accidents mount due to poor upkeep. The union and the contractor signed a six-point agreement at a Tourist Complex in Pfutsero on June 22. This followed a 14-day ultimatum from the union. The deal required quick repairs within 48 hours and new equipment within 72 hours. It also mandated progress reviews every 20 days.
Inspections on July 13 and August 4 showed little change. The union claims the site still lacks enough machinery and workers. They warned that further extensions are unacceptable. They might take democratic action if the company continues to fail. The union expects immediate road restoration and daily maintenance until the job is finished.
Updated at 25th August 2026 at 9:47am
CSU President Povozo Soho and General Secretary Rhilo Chiero spearheaded the formal representation submitted to the NHIDCL regional office on Monday. The union pointed out that more than six months have passed since the original January deadline, yet the project remains bogged down at the same 44.30 percent completion mark.
The union labeled the standoff a serious public concern rather than just a contractor issue, noting that several stretches of the road remain completely unmotorable. They warned that they are prepared to launch democratic and lawful protests if the NHIDCL ignores their demands or grants any leeway to the contractor beyond the current September expiration date.
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