Dimapur: The Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) on Wednesday raised serious concerns over what it described as poor workmanship, prolonged delays and negligence in the construction and maintenance of road infrastructure projects being implemented by the National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) in Nagaland.
The federation singled out the upgraded four-lane NH-29 between Dimapur and Kohima, describing the road as a major example of what it termed compromised construction quality and administrative shortcomings.
According to the NSF, similar concerns have been reported from several districts and project locations across Nagaland where NHIDCL is currently carrying out infrastructure works.
The federation said civil society groups and local communities have repeatedly highlighted alleged deficiencies in the quality of construction across several ongoing projects. These include the Kohima Bypass Road, Kohima-Mao Road Upgradation Project, Dimapur Bypass Project, slope protection works along NH-29, the Akash Bridge-Jessami Road (NH-202) and the Peren-Dimapur section of NH-129A under Packages II and III.
In a statement, the NSF said the condition of the Kohima-Dimapur road remains unsatisfactory despite a completion certificate having been issued in 2023.
The organisation pointed to damage at multiple locations, including collapsed side walls, inadequate slope protection, poor drainage systems and insufficient maintenance. It also alleged that necessary repairs have not been carried out in a timely manner.
The NSF noted that the project is covered by a five-year Defect Liability Period (DLP). It questioned why essential repair and maintenance work had not been undertaken, saying the situation raises concerns about construction standards, project supervision and accountability involving NHIDCL and the contractors.
The federation also flagged concerns about bridge structures along the Dimapur-Kohima corridor. It alleged that some bridges appeared inadequate in design or execution and said four-lane bridge infrastructure should have been provided at locations where it was required under the upgraded highway specifications.
Other issues highlighted by the NSF included the absence of median landscaping, inadequate road furniture and insufficient safety infrastructure. The federation also pointed to a shortage of road indicators, reflective markers, warning signs and safety barriers.
According to the NSF, these deficiencies could pose risks to motorists and other road users, particularly during poor weather and at night.
The federation further criticised NHIDCL for what it described as a slow response to repeated public complaints and the deteriorating condition of several infrastructure projects.
It called for greater accountability and timely corrective measures, arguing that the quality of infrastructure should reflect the public expenditure involved in the projects.
The concerns raised by the NSF relate to its assessment of the projects, and the allegations regarding NHIDCL and contractors have not been independently verified.