TR Zeliang says contractors may face termination for maintenance lapses
Staff Reporter
DIMAPUR, SEP 16 (NPN): The Nagaland government will take up mounting safety and maintenance concerns along NH-29 with the National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL), with Deputy Chief Minister TR Zeliang stating that contractors failing to comply with contractual obligations could face termination.
Speaking to media persons after the PAC meeting in Chümoukedima, Zeliang said the State government had held quarterly coordination meetings with NHIDCL and National Highway PWD from 2023 to 2025, during which short-term maintenance and long-term safety measures were repeatedly discussed.
He said another meeting with NHIDCL would be held next week following recurring rockfalls, landslides and damage to road infrastructure along the Dimapur-Kohima highway.
The government had specifically raised concerns over recurring river erosion near Patkai Junction, where the river current was damaging the valley-side protection wall. NHIDCL had identified two locations requiring hillside cutting to divert the river, but the work had not reached halfway. As the river’s natural course remained unchanged, the current continued to hit the protection wall, reducing the four-lane highway to a two-lane stretch.
Zeliang said NHIDCL had repeatedly been advised to undertake safety works during the dry season instead of waiting for the monsoon. “They don’t work at the right time. They start working only during the rainy season,” he said. The State government would insist that NHIDCL prepare and implement a proper long-term safety plan by October-November, when the working season begins.
On NH-29 Packages 2 and 3, Zeliang said the government had objected to NHIDCL’s submission of a completion report for Package 2 as retaining walls, road dividers and other works remained incomplete. He said Package 1 could not be considered complete either.
He, however, pointed out that submission of a completion report did not absolve contractors of maintenance responsibility, as the five-year defect liability period remained applicable.
Zeliang said road conditions from Ghaspani through Medziphema to Piphema had continued to deteriorate, while contractors were allegedly not undertaking maintenance despite repeated reminders. The State government, he said, would insist that NHIDCL enforce contractual obligations. “If contractors do not comply with the contract agreement according to National Highway norms during this five-year defect liability period, notice of intention to terminate the contract should be issued so that another party can be appointed for maintenance,” he said.
If contractors failed to comply within 15 to 20 days, he said, the contracts should be terminated and new contractors appointed.
On the NSF’s demand for removal of NHIDCL from the Dimapur-Kohima highway, Zeliang said the demand was unofficial and declined to comment. He said both PWD (National Highway) and NHIDCL had to follow contractual norms, adding, “As for removing NHIDCL, that is their version. The State government has not discussed this matter.”
On recurring rockfalls between Chathe Bridge and New Chümoukedima, particularly in the Chutokhu range, Zeliang said NHIDCL could not blame the State government for failing to provide alternatives if it had not formally submitted proposals for additional land or right of way (ROW).
If NHIDCL required extension of the existing ROW, he said, it should approach the concerned Deputy Commissioner, who could initiate the land acquisition process.
Zeliang said he had specifically advised NHIDCL to adopt a “benching system” while cutting hillsides, particularly on steep terrain. Under the system, hillsides are cut in steps from the top so falling rocks are stopped at successive levels instead of reaching the highway. He said it was standard practice in hilly terrain and cited highway construction in Shimla and Jammu and Kashmir as examples.
“We have been telling them, but they don’t comply,” he said, questioning how NHIDCL could blame the State government when no official proposal for ROW extension had been submitted. He said the government was prepared to facilitate land acquisition if NHIDCL submitted a formal proposal.
On NH-2 between Tuli and Ongpangkong, including Langpangkong, Chungkong, Ungma and Chuchuyimlang, Zeliang said significant damage had been reported in Mokokchung, Tuensang and other areas. Landslides, mudfalls and rockfalls had damaged several stretches, with a portion near Tuensang reportedly washed away.
He said the Chief Engineer had been directed to inspect affected locations, verify the damage and prepare proposals for long-term remedial measures.
For immediate measures, joint teams comprising the NSDMA, concerned departments and Deputy Commissioner’s offices would coordinate to put temporary safety measures in place for commuters by September-October. Technical teams had already inspected affected sites and would submit proposals to the Highway Authority for long-term solutions, he said.
On the contentious NH-702D realignment, Zeliang said the State government was yet to finalise an option. Three options had been proposed, and engineers, along with a verification team and concerned Deputy Commissioner, would inspect the proposed alignments before submitting a final recommendation.
He said the government would base its decision on technical feasibility and consultant reports rather than suggestions from public leaders or elected representatives.