Pfutsero, June 23: The Chakhesang Students’ Union (CSU), the National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) and the EPC contractor, M/S Ratna Infrastructure Projects Pvt. Ltd., have signed a six-point agreement to expedite the completion of the NH-29 Two-Lane Kohima-Jessami Road Package II project.
The agreement was signed on June 22 at the Tourist Complex in Pfutsero after a 14-day ultimatum issued by the CSU on June 2 expired on June 16, with the student body pressing for immediate action over delays and worsening road conditions.
Under the pact, the contractor has agreed to undertake emergency repairs within 48 hours and mobilise adequate machinery and manpower within 72 hours. The parties have also set an ambitious deadline of September 24, 2026, for completing all physical works under the project.
The agreement holds the EPC contractor responsible for the maintenance of the highway and liable for compensation in case of damages arising from poor upkeep.
To ensure accountability, the three parties have agreed to conduct joint inspections every 20 days, with the next review scheduled for July 13.
A major concern flagged during the meeting was the badly damaged stretch between Chakhaba and Kikruma, which the CSU described as virtually unmotorable in places. The agreement specifically calls for emergency restoration of the stretch, including filling potholes and clearing clogged drainage systems to make the road safe for commuters.
The pact also contains a strong enforcement clause, stating that failure to comply with any of the agreed terms would render the agreement “null and void”, with NHIDCL and the contractor being held responsible for any subsequent action initiated by the CSU.
The agreement was signed by M.S.N. Murthy on behalf of Ratna Infrastructure Projects Pvt. Ltd. and Povozo Soho, President of the Chakhesang Students’ Union, in the presence of Rajesh Kumar, Senior Resident Maintenance Engineer (SRME), NHIDCL.
Invoking its motto, “Let the welfare of the people be the final law,” the CSU said the agreement was aimed at ensuring accountability and restoring a vital highway that serves as a lifeline for people in Phek district and beyond.
