Photo Courtesy: India Today Group
Kohima: Ratna Infrastructure Project Private Limited promised to finish the Chakhabama-Kikruma stretch of National Highway-29 by May 15, 2027. This pledge followed a joint inspection on November 2. Representatives from the Joint Action Committee, or JAC, toured the stone quarry site in Chakhabama and the base camp in Kikruma. Frontal organizations from Kohima, Phek, Meluri, and Kiphire joined the inspection. Leaders from Kikruma and Kezoma villages also attended.
JAC Convenor Vivolie Kezo attacked the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited for its handling of the project. Kezo claimed the corporation ignores public outrage while granting constant deadline extensions. The contractor originally won the bid on January 5, 2024, with a due date of January 4, 2026. Kezo accused the company of failing to meet standards. He cited a lack of heavy machinery, manpower, and raw materials as major hurdles. The contractor frequently blamed fuel shortages and late salary payments for the stalled work.
Kezo warned the group, "Instead of delivering results, the NHIDCL has repeatedly granted extension for the working period while ignoring the voices of the general public." He demanded the company act with sincerity to avoid any untoward incidents.
Authorized signatory Dr. MSN Murthy blamed technical issues within the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways for the delays. He claimed these problems are now fixed. Work should ramp up after November 15, 2026. The JAC agreed to cooperate for now but will not stay silent if progress stalls. They warned that they would hold the company responsible for any future failures. The meeting concluded with prayers from Co-Convenor Dusahe Noho.
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