Kohima: The Gauhati High Court slammed the brakes on the Kohima-Jessami Road project, labeling recent construction progress as unsatisfactory. Judges N Unni Krishnan Nair and Nchumbemo Mozhui issued the order on September 30 after reviewing a public interest litigation filed by the Chakhesang Public Organisation.
M/s Ratna Infrastructure Projects Pvt Ltd signed the contract on December 21, 2023. Work started January 5, 2024. The firm had 24 months to finish the 21.90-km stretch. As of September 30, physical progress hit a crawl at 45.11 percent. The financial progress remains frozen at 43.63 percent.
The Bench warned of potential cost penalties. "We find that the progress of the work is not satisfactory," the judges noted in their order. The court now requires the Authority Engineer to file a comprehensive affidavit by November 13. This official must appear in person on November 18 to explain the holdup.
Public anger is peaking. The Chakhesang Students' Union sealed the contractor's base camp at North Kikrüma on September 25. They demanded the contract be scrapped. Despite the District Administration removing the initial seal, the students returned the next day to lock the site again. The court has scheduled the next hearing for November 18.
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