Special Correspondent
Ukhrul/Tadubi, October 8:
A crucial stretch of National Highway-102A between Tadubi and Lower Phaibung village has come under sharp scrutiny after residents and village authorities alleged that newly laid bituminous work along nearly 60 km has started deteriorating within days of completion.
In a joint statement, residents and village authorities under Paomata Block and Chilivai Phaibung Block alleged that the work was executed in a “most sub-standard, negligent and unsatisfactory manner”, raising questions over quality control, technical supervision and accountability.
They claimed the freshly black-topped surface began peeling, cracking and breaking apart within a week, leaving potholes, loose aggregates and uneven stretches. The alleged deterioration, they said, has made the highway hazardous for motorists, public transport operators, commercial vehicles and pedestrians.
Describing NH-102A as a lifeline for communities dependent on it for healthcare, education, markets, government services and essential supplies, the village bodies warned that continued deterioration could severely disrupt connectivity.
They alleged that repeated verbal and written complaints had already been submitted to the concerned authorities, including the National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited, executing agencies, contractors and sub-contractors, but claimed that no meaningful corrective action had followed.
The village bodies have demanded an immediate technical inspection by senior officials of the Public Works Department, NHIDCL and independent experts to assess the materials, workmanship and compliance with prescribed Indian Roads Congress and Ministry of Road Transport and Highways specifications.
They also demanded reconstruction of defective portions at the contractor’s own risk and cost under applicable defect-liability provisions, besides action against those found responsible for negligence or use of substandard materials.
The bodies have given authorities until the end of October to initiate concrete measures, warning of democratic agitation, including an indefinite closure or blockade of NH-102A if their demands remain unaddressed.