Nagaland: HC directs time-bound action on NH works

The Gauhati High Court Kohima Bench has issued a series of time-bound directions to the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd. (NHIDCL) and the State PWD (National Highways) to expedite ongoing works on national highway stretches in Nagaland.
Hearing a suo motu public interest litigation on road conditions, the division bench of Justice Unni Krishnan Nair and Justice Yarenjungla Longkumer reviewed compliance reports and submissions made by NHIDCL officials and other parties. Regarding Packages I, II and III, NHIDCL informed the court that the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for slope protection along the hill stretch was under preparation and would be completed within two months. The court directed NHIDCL to finalise the DPR on or before March 15, 2026.
On the proposed viaduct and major bridge at Chainage 164, NHIDCL stated that the bridge design had been reviewed by IIT Guwahati and that estimates were being prepared.
The court directed the authorities to complete pre-tendering formalities and ensure the tendering process is concluded by mid-March 2026.
With regard to river protection works, NHIDCL said tenders had already been floated, with February 13, 2026 as the last date for submission of bids. The court ordered that bids be processed expeditiously so that contracts could be awarded by March 2026.
The court also directed NHIDCL to submit a status report on these issues on the next date of hearing and instructed the agency to take all necessary steps to keep the highway open for traffic throughout the year until permanent measures are in place.
Counsel for the contractor handling Package III informed the court that over 80% of the work had been completed and that the remaining works, including a steel bridge at Chainage 155, would be finished by March 3, 2026. The contractor has been asked to file a status report on the next date.
Meanwhile, the State government informed the court that work under the project “One Time Improvement of NH-39 (Old) from Km 172.900 to Km 185.540 under PWD NH Division-I, Kohima” would now be taken up in earnest.
The court directed the Chief Engineer, PWD (NH), Nagaland, to personally monitor the work on a daily basis and submit a weekly progress report starting February 5, 2026.
The matter has been listed again on March 18, 2026. The court directed NHIDCL, the Package III contractor, and the Chief Engineer, PWD (NH), Nagaland, to submit status reports on that date. The Authority Engineer, NHIDCL, has also been requested to remain present to assist the court.