The road is a vital lifeline for people travelling to and from Phek, Kiphire and Meluri districts and the Union said deterioration affected students, patients, government employees, traders and other daily commuters. Joint inspections on 13 July and four August found several stretches in a deplorable and, in places, unmotorable condition with limited visible progress. The representation recorded commuters stranded for hours and accidents linked to poor surface condition and inadequate maintenance.
The Union recalled that a six-point agreement had been signed among the Union, the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) and the EPC contractor on 22 June 2026 to facilitate completion but alleged the contractor lacked adequate machinery and manpower. It said maintenance of the corridor had been insufficient and that inspections failed to show substantial remedial work. The Union said the matter had moved beyond contractual delay to a serious public concern affecting thousands daily.
The representation demanded that no further extension of time be granted to M/s Ratna Infra Projects beyond the existing period and called for immediate restoration of vulnerable and severely damaged stretches with daily maintenance across the corridor to ensure safe movement. It warned that granting another extension despite prolonged failure and repeated non compliance could compel the Union to initiate lawful democratic action in the public interest. The Union urged NHIDCL to take immediate corrective measures so that the travelling public is not subjected to further uncertainty and hardship.