PTBA seeks high-level review of Kohima-Jessami road project

DIMAPUR: Pfutsero Town Business Association (PTBA) has urged the National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) headquarters, New Delhi to order a high-level review and fix accountability for the stalled Kohima-Jessami Road Package-II project, which remains incomplete more than five years after it was awarded.
In a press release, PTBA president Vekusu Chuzho and general secretary Truvi Rhi said the association had submitted a formal representation to NHIDCL managing director, expressing concern over the prolonged delay in completing the 21.90-km Chakhabama–Kikruma stretch of NH-29 (Old NH-150).
According to the association, the project was tendered in 2019 and awarded in March 2020, with the original contractor, M/s KCPL, required to complete the work by June 30, 2022. However, the contract was subsequently terminated after achieving only 58.08% physical progress and 54.08% financial progress.
The balance work was later awarded to M/s Ratna Infrastructure Projects Pvt. Ltd. on October 10, 2023, with January 5, 2024 designated as the appointed date.
PTBA noted that NHIDCL’s latest project monitoring data showed only 40% cumulative physical progress and 40% cumulative financial progress, despite the project’s original scheduled completion date being January 4, 2026. It said the figures raised serious concerns regarding the pace of execution and the effectiveness of monitoring and supervisory mechanisms.
The trader body stated that the delay has severely affected commuters, transporters, farmers, students, government employees and businesses across Pfutsero, Phek district and the wider Chakhesang region. It said the poor condition of the road has led to increased transportation costs, delays in the movement of goods and essential commodities, vehicle damage, higher maintenance expenses and avoidable financial burdens on the public. Further, PTBA maintained that prolonged delay reflected deficiencies in planning, execution, supervision and enforcement at various levels of project implementation.
The association has, therefore, requested NHIDCL headquarters to constitute a high-level review committee or special review mechanism to assess the project’s status, identify the causes of delay, evaluate the performance of all agencies involved and recommend corrective measures for its early completion.
PTBA also called for a comprehensive review of the implementation process, strengthening of monitoring and supervisory mechanisms, strict adherence to revised timelines and accountability wherever warranted under contractual and administrative provisions.