Kohima: The Gauhati High Court Kohima Bench issued a strict ultimatum to the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited. Justice Yarenjungla Longkumer and Justice Helen Daungliani ordered the agency to wrap up Ministry approvals and tendering for slope protection across three packages on NH-29 within two months. Time is running out. The rainy season begins in April 2027.
The Division Bench issued these orders on October 28 during a suo motu public interest litigation focused on Nagaland road conditions. The Court demands a status report on all tendering and maintenance. Officials must also provide a plan for the rockfall-prone Tsiedukhru range. NHIDCL claimed its detailed project report is currently under technical review, but the Court refused to accept further procrastination.
Progress varies across the three packages. For Package I and II, contractors submitted work plans and bar charts to guide construction. Work on Package II has already started. The tender for short-term maintenance opened on September 30 and awaits final evaluation. Contractors promised to handle kerb cleaning, safety board installation, and bituminous work. Package III is nearly finished, with crews handling final testing and minor rectifications.
The Court kept the pressure on for specific hazards. Judges directed the contractor to clear a major mudslide on Package III before the next hearing. Regarding the Lierie Welcome Gate to Jotsoma Bypass, the State Government must account for all road levelling and black-topping. The bench ordered the Chief Secretary and Chief Engineer of PWD to file affidavits confirming progress. These officials must also fix the poor riding quality near the Mandir. Addressing these issues, the Court noted, “The working season had already commenced in September.”
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