Photo Courtesy: India Today Group
Kohima: The Naga Students' Federation is calling out the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited for shoddy construction and persistent delays on projects across Nagaland. The group specifically blasted the four-lane Dimapur-Kohima Road. Work finished in 2023, but the pavement is already falling apart.
Federation members identified failing side walls, missing drainage, and dangerous slopes along the route. Road safety is a ghost. The group cited a lack of signs, reflective markers, and safety barriers. These gaps put drivers at risk during bad weather or night travel. The project sits under a five-year Defect Liability Period, yet the agency has ignored the need for fixes.
Engineers missed the mark on bridge design too. The group claims these spans do not meet the highway standards expected for a four-lane upgrade. They also noted the absence of median work and basic road furniture. "The situation raises concerns over construction quality, project supervision and accountability of the agencies and contractors involved," the Federation stated.
Trouble extends far beyond the Dimapur-Kohima stretch. Local communities and civil groups report similar failures on the Kohima Bypass, Kohima-Mao Road, and the Dimapur Bypass. Other failing sites include slope protection work on NH-29, the Akash Bridge-Jessami Road on NH-202, and the Peren-Dimapur section of NH-129A. Contractors keep walking away with their paychecks. The Federation wants the state government to blacklist these firms and fire any official involved in the mess. They expect a full inspection of every site and immediate repairs on all outstanding defects.
Updated at 20th August 2026 at 5:48am
The Federation turned up the heat on August 19, labeling the state of the infrastructure as abysmal. They warned that if the negligence persists, the group will launch democratic measures to force a response from authorities. The leadership declared that public money cannot keep fueling projects that fail to hit basic marks for durability and engineering integrity.
Beyond just firing contractors, the group is pushing the state government to force a tougher line with NHIDCL officials. They insist that the government must stop the flow of cash into projects that ignore safety and design specifications, demanding clear accountability for the heads of the agencies overseeing this mess.
Updated at 20th August 2026 at 10:00am
The Federation explicitly named its leadership in the August 19 press release, with President Mteisuding and General Secretary Kenilo Kent leading the charge against the agency. They warned that if the pattern of negligence continues, the group will move beyond statements and launch democratic measures to force a response.
Infrastructure trouble is forcing local groups to step in. The Phesama Youth Organisation is now regulating traffic on an alternate route to Kisama after the main highway hit a breaking point. They have restricted heavy construction vehicles and enforced strict time slots for supply trucks to keep the vital lifeline from collapsing under the strain of diverted traffic.
Updated at 21st August 2026 at 1:49am
The Phesama Youth Organisation is cracking down on the alternative route to Kisama to keep it from failing like the main highway. Under new orders from President Ketouneio Zashumo and General Secretary Neitho-o Tacu, small commercial trucks hauling essentials only get three narrow windows each day: 4 a.m. to 6 a.m., 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., and 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Anyone caught driving outside these blocks faces penalties.
To stop the alternate road from crumbling under heavy traffic, the youth group slapped a 50 percent limit on vehicle loads and banned all heavy construction haulers. They also opened a control office and a helpline at 8798419713 to track road status and manage emergencies. The group maintains a zero-tolerance policy for booze, warning that any drunk driver will get hit with fines and kicked off the road for good.
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