Nagaland highway projects have come under fresh scrutiny after the Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) demanded an immediate inquiry into alleged poor workmanship, prolonged delays, weak maintenance and safety deficiencies in major road works across the state. The student body has particularly targeted the Dimapur-Kohima four-lane highway, calling for a probe by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) and the removal of NHIDCL as the implementing agency.
NSF seeks probe into Dimapur-Kohima highway
In its latest statement on September 13, the NSF raised serious concerns about the condition of the Dimapur-Kohima four-lane highway, particularly the Medziphema-Peducha stretch of NH-29. According to the federation, commuters have witnessed the road deteriorating over the past four to five years, while maintenance and monsoon preparedness have remained inadequate.
The NSF alleged that several sections suffer from damaged road surfaces, poor drainage, deteriorating side structures and inadequate slope protection. It said these problems have increased risks for commuters, especially during the monsoon and at night.
The federation also alleged that rockfalls and other road-related incidents have resulted in deaths and serious injuries. It attributed these incidents to alleged failures in safety measures, slope stabilisation, maintenance and timely corrective action by NHIDCL and contractors. These allegations have not been independently established.
Completion certificate questioned
A key issue raised by the NSF concerns the Completion Certificate issued for Package-II of the Dimapur-Kohima project. The federation questioned how the package could have received completion certification when, according to its assessment, significant works remained incomplete and several deficiencies continued to affect the highway.
The NSF has therefore sought an immediate inquiry by MoRTH into the circumstances surrounding the certificate. It also wants authorities to identify responsibility among officials, consultants and contractors if negligence or substandard work is established.
The federation pointed out that the project remains under a five-year Defect Liability Period (DLP). It questioned why defects such as damaged surfaces, collapsing side walls, inadequate drainage and weak slope protection have allegedly remained unresolved despite the contractual provision.
Nagaland highway projects face wider concerns
The latest demand follows an earlier NSF statement issued on August 19, when the federation flagged similar concerns across several Nagaland highway projects implemented by the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL).
The organisation had cited the Kohima Bypass Road, Kohima-Mao Road Upgradation Project, Dimapur Bypass, slope protection works along NH-29, Akash Bridge-Jessami Road under NH-202 and the Peren-Dimapur section of NH-129A Packages II and III.
The NSF also raised concerns about road furniture, safety barriers, reflective markers, warning signs and other safety installations. It said deficiencies in these areas could increase risks for motorists during poor weather and night travel.
The federation has demanded immediate rectification of defects covered by the DLP and appropriate contractual or disciplinary action against contractors found responsible for defective or incomplete work.
Delays add to infrastructure concerns
The concerns raised by the NSF come amid broader evidence of delays affecting Nagaland highway projects. Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari informed the Lok Sabha in August that 14 National Highway projects sanctioned in Nagaland during the previous five financial years had exceeded their original completion deadlines.
The Centre attributed delays to several factors, including land acquisition, statutory clearances, utility shifting, encroachment removal, law and order issues, contractor performance and force majeure events. Gadkari also said extensions could be granted under contractual provisions when delays resulted from factors beyond contractors’ control.
Other student groups have separately highlighted delays. The Chakhesang Students’ Union recently opposed any further extension for the NH-29 two-lane Kohima-Jessami Road Package-II. The project had an original completion deadline of January 4, 2026, but its extension runs until September 24. The union said physical progress stood at only 44.30% in August and alleged that commuters continued to face severe hardship.
NSF wants NHIDCL replaced
The NSF has now gone beyond seeking repairs and inspections. It has urged the Centre and the Nagaland government to terminate NHIDCL as the implementing agency for the Dimapur-Kohima stretch and consider handing responsibility to the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) or the State PWD (National Highways).
The federation said the highway is a critical lifeline for Nagaland and neighbouring states and argued that public safety should take priority over institutional considerations. It also warned that it would continue monitoring Nagaland highway projects and could launch further democratic action if alleged negligence and poor workmanship continue.
The latest demands place renewed attention on construction quality, accountability and timely maintenance across the state’s highway network. The proposed inquiry, if taken up, could determine whether the allegations against NHIDCL, contractors and other agencies warrant corrective or disciplinary action while addressing safety concerns for commuters.