The entrance to the Tsiedukhru range, one of the most challenging stretches along NH-29, where slope and river protection works remain pending or are awaiting tendering. (Morung Photo)
Morung Express News
Kohima | February 8
The Gauhati High Court Kohima Bench (GHCKB) has issued a series of March deadlines to the National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) Dimapur-Kohima four-lane construction on National Highway (NH-29).
The PWD (NH) Nagaland was also directed to monitor the progress of works on a daily basis in section under its jurisdiction.
Resuming the hearing of the Public Interest Litigation (Suo Moto) on February 4, a Division Bench comprising Justice Unni Krishnan Nair and Justice Yarenjungla Longkumer took note of submissions made by the Amicus Curiae, the Authority Engineer, NHIDCL, and the Additional Advocate General (AAG), Nagaland.
With regard to slope protection measures under Packages I, II and III for the NH-29, the Authority Engineer, NHIDCL informed the Bench that a Detailed Project Report (DPR) covering the entire hill stretch is under preparation and would be completed within two months.
The Court, however, directed NHIDCL to expedite the process and finalise the DPR on or before March 15, 2026.
During the exchange, the Bench made oral observations questioning why potential risks such as rockfalls and hill instability were not adequately visualised at the DPR stage. It further wondered how such hazards appeared evident even to a layperson, while experts failed to factor them in comprehensively during the planning stage.
The effectiveness and longevity of materials including iron structures used in protection works were also raised.
Responding to the queries, the Authority Engineer submitted that constraints arose as the hills were not fully handed over to NHIDCL. However, the Amicus Curiae interjected that concerns over the adequacy of the Right of Way (RoW) had earlier been raised by both the contractor and himself, but NHIDCL then maintained that the available RoW was sufficient.
On the proposed viaduct and major bridge at Chainage No. 164 (Dzüdza area), NHIDCL informed the Court that the bridge design has been reviewed by experts from the Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, while estimates are being prepared and tenders would be issued shortly.
The Court, thus, directed NHIDCL to complete pre-tendering formalities and ensure that the tendering process is concluded by mid-March 2026.
Regarding river protection works at Chathe River in the challenging Tsiedukhru range, the NHIDCL informed that tenders have already been floated, with bids due by February 13. The Court directed that the bids be processed expeditiously so that contracts are awarded by March 2026.
On all issues, NHIDCL authorities were directed to place a status report before the Court on the next date of hearing.
Observing that the proposed works would require further time, the Court stressed the need to keep the road open throughout the year and directed NHIDCL to take all necessary interim measures to ensure uninterrupted traffic until permanent solutions are implemented.
Concerning Package III, counsel for the contractor informed the Bench that the contract period has been extended till March 3, 2026, and that over 80% of the work, including construction of a steel bridge at Chainage No. 155, has already been completed.
The Court directed the contractor to complete the remaining works within the extended period and submit a status report on the next date.
CE PWD (NH) tasked to personally monitor works
Turning to works under the State PWD (National Highways) division, the AAG Nagaland, submitted that the project “One Time Improvement of NH-39 (old) from Km 172.900 to Km 185.540 under PWD NH Division-1, Kohima” (Jotsoma Bypass junction-Lerie Welcome Gate) would now be taken up in earnest.
The Amicus Curiae, meanwhile, pointed out to the Court that there has been virtually no progress on the ground the barring Hornbill Festival-related activity in December.
Accordingly, the Court directed the Chief Engineer, PWD (National Highways), Nagaland, to personally monitor the works on a day-to-day basis and furnish a status report on the next date of hearing.
The status report should highlight the progress made on a weekly basis, with effect from February 5, it said.
Failure to submit the progress report in the manner directed could invite appropriate orders, it added.
Listing the matter for further hearing on March 18, the Bench directed that a copy of the order be brought to the notice of the Chief Engineer, PWD (NH) and the concerned contractor for compliance.
