Kohima: The Pfutsero Town Business Association (PTBA) has officially requested that the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) intervene to address the persistent delays surrounding the Kohima-Jessami road project. In a formal representation submitted to the NHIDCL headquarters in New Delhi, the association highlighted the lack of progress on the 21.90-kilometer stretch between Chakhabama and Kikruma on NH-29.
The project was initially awarded in March 2020 under the Bharatmala Pariyojana Programme. Officials noted that the original contractor, M/s KCPL, failed to meet the June 2022 deadline, achieving only partial progress before the contract was terminated. The remaining work was later assigned to M/s Ratna Infrastructure Projects Pvt. Ltd. in October 2023. Current figures indicate that the project has only reached 40 percent physical completion, raising serious questions about the project management.
Representing the local community, PTBA President Vekusu Chuzho and General Secretary Truvi Rhi emphasized the impact of these setbacks. The association stated, "Despite the passage of more than five years, the stretch remains incomplete, causing serious inconvenience and hardship to the public, transporters, businesses, farmers, students, government employees, and commuters across Pfutsero, Phek District and the wider Chakhesang region."
The poor condition of the road continues to hinder the transport of essential goods and increases financial burdens for local commuters due to vehicle damage and rising costs. Consequently, the PTBA is urging the NHIDCL to establish a special review committee to evaluate the performance of involved agencies and identify the root causes of the delay. They are seeking a commitment to stricter oversight to ensure the project reaches completion without further disruption.
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