NSF slams NHIDCL over defective roads, project delays

DIMAPUR, AUG 19 (NPN): The Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) has expressed serious concern over what it described as poor workmanship, prolonged delays and negligence in road infrastructure projects undertaken by the National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) across Nagaland.
In a press release, NSF president Mteisuding and general secretary Kenilo Kent said the upgraded four-lane Dimapur-Kohima road remained a “glaring example” of compromised construction standards and administrative failure. The federation said despite a completion certificate being issued in 2023, several stretches remained in poor condition, with damaged sections, collapsing side walls, inadequate slope protection and drainage systems, poor maintenance and delayed repairs.
Pointing out that the project was under a five-year Defect Liability Period (DLP), NSF questioned why necessary repair and maintenance works had not been undertaken. It said the situation raised questions over the quality of construction, supervision and accountability of NHIDCL and contractors.
NSF also alleged deficiencies in the design and execution of several bridges along the Dimapur-Kohima stretch, with some locations allegedly lacking four-lane bridge infrastructure conforming to upgraded highway standards.
It further raised concerns over the absence of median beautification and landscaping, poor road furniture, inadequate safety barriers and insufficient road indicators, reflective markers and warning signs, saying these posed risks to public safety, particularly during adverse weather and night travel.
The federation alleged that despite repeated public grievances and visible deterioration, NHIDCL had been slow to address defects and complete pending works.
It said similar concerns had emerged from several districts and project sites, including the Kohima bypass, Kohima-Mao road upgradation, Dimapur bypass, slope protection works along NH-29, Akash Bridge-Jessami Road (NH-202) and Peren-Dimapur section (NH-129A) Packages II and III.
NSF questioned why NHIDCL had not initiated disciplinary or punitive action against contractors accused of poor execution despite repeated complaints and alleged deficiencies.
The federation demanded an immediate comprehensive inspection of all NHIDCL projects in Nagaland and repair and rectification of defects covered under DLP provisions. It also called for completion of pending works, including drainage, slope protection, retaining structures, road safety installations and signages, besides termination and blacklisting of contractors found responsible for substandard work.
NSF urged the state government to intensify engagement with NHIDCL for timely completion and proper maintenance of projects and to take up appropriate disciplinary action against concerned officials and contractors for alleged lapses.
It said public resources should not be spent on projects that fail to meet basic standards of safety, durability and engineering integrity.
NSF said it would continue to monitor NHIDCL projects across the state and warned that continued negligence, poor workmanship, delays and compromised quality would compel it to initiate “appropriate democratic measures” in the larger interest of the Naga people.