RIPPL

Ratna Infrastructure Project, known as RIPPL, has given a fresh completion target of May 15, 2027 for the long-delayed Chakhabama to Kikruma section of National Highway-29 in Nagaland.

The company shared this timeline with the Joint Action Committee of NH-29 during talks held on November 2 at its camp site in Kikruma, within Phek district.

Before the discussion, representatives from the JAC, the company and groups from Kohima, Phek, Meluri and Kiphire walked the Package-II route together, starting from RIPPL's quarry at Chakhabama and finishing at the Kikruma camp.

JAC convenor Vivolie Kezo said the contract had originally been handed to RIPPL on January 5, 2024, with a finish date of January 4, 2026, but claimed several extensions had since been granted even though work was lagging. He also flagged concerns over build quality, saying tender norms were not being followed, and pointed to shortages of equipment, workers, materials and fuel, plus unpaid staff wages, as reasons for the slow pace.

Company signatory Dr MSN Murthy told the panel that quality standards would be upheld and that matters pending with the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways had now been sorted out. He said full-scale construction would pick up soon after November 15, 2026, to meet the ministry's instruction to finish the whole stretch by May 15, 2027.

The committee said it would keep a close watch on progress, having agreed to work with the contractor despite years of frustration over missed deadlines and what it called fading trust among residents.

The JAC warned that if the May 2027 target is also missed, it will take the matter to higher government authorities.