NSF flags ‘poor workmanship’ in NHIDCL road projects, seeks action

Kohima, August 19 (MExN): The Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) has raised concerns over what it termed “abysmal” workmanship, prolonged delays and negligence in the execution and maintenance of National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) projects across Nagaland.

In a statement dated August 19, the Federation said the upgraded four-lane Dimapur-Kohima Road was a “glaring example” of compromised construction standards and administrative failure. It noted that although a Completion Certificate was issued in 2023, several stretches continue to show damage, including collapsing side walls, inadequate slope protection and drainage, and delayed repair and maintenance works.

The NSF said the project is under a five-year Defect Liability Period (DLP), but alleged that necessary rectification works have not been undertaken, raising questions over the quality of construction, supervision and accountability of NHIDCL and the contractors involved.

It also alleged deficiencies in the design and execution of several bridge structures along the Dimapur-Kohima stretch, claiming that some locations where four-lane bridge infrastructure was expected did not conform to the upgraded highway standards.

The Federation further flagged the absence of median beautification and landscaping, poor road furniture, inadequate safety barriers and insufficient road indicators, reflective markers and warning signage. These, it said, pose safety risks, particularly during adverse weather and night travel.

According to the NSF, similar concerns have been raised at several other NHIDCL project sites across the State, including the Kohima Bypass Road, Kohima-Mao Road Upgradation Project, Dimapur Bypass Project, slope protection works along NH-29, Akash Bridge-Jessami Road (NH-202) and the Peren-Dimapur section of NH-129A Packages II and III.

The Federation questioned why disciplinary or punitive action had not been initiated against contractors allegedly responsible for substandard execution despite repeated public complaints and reported deficiencies.

The NSF demanded immediate and comprehensive inspection of all NHIDCL projects in Nagaland and repair of defects covered under the DLP.

It also called for completion of pending works, including drainage systems, slope protection, retaining structures, road safety installations and signages, and sought termination and blacklisting of contractors found responsible for substandard work.

The Federation urged the Nagaland Government to intensify its engagement with NHIDCL and ensure timely completion and proper maintenance of ongoing projects. It also called for appropriate disciplinary action against concerned NHIDCL officials and contractors over what it termed repeated compromises in infrastructure development.

“Public resources cannot continue to be squandered on projects that fail to meet even the most basic standards of safety, durability and engineering integrity,” the NSF said.

The Federation said it would continue monitoring NHIDCL works across the State and warned that continued negligence and poor workmanship could prompt it to initiate “appropriate democratic measures” and further action in the interest of the Naga people.