UKHRUL, October 7, 2026: Residents and village authorities under Paomata Block and Chilivai Phaibung Block have demanded immediate rectification of the allegedly substandard bituminous road work along National Highway-102A (Tadubi–Ukhrul Road), warning of democratic agitation, including an indefinite highway blockade, if the concerned authorities fail to take corrective measures within October 2026.
In a joint press release issued on October 7, the two blocks raised serious concerns over the quality of black-topping work along the approximately 60-kilometre stretch from Tadubi to Lower Phaibung village, alleging that the road surface had deteriorated severely within a week of completion.
According to the statement, the newly completed surface has developed extensive cracks, potholes, peeling and loose aggregates, which the signatories described as evidence of substandard execution and deviation from prescribed Indian Roads Congress (IRC) and Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) specifications.
The residents stated that the deteriorating road condition had created serious risks for commuters, while frequent vehicle damage was affecting transporters and daily wage earners. They also expressed concern over dust pollution, waterlogging during rainfall and the possibility of further deterioration during the ensuing monsoon, potentially disrupting connectivity in the area.
The joint statement further alleged that repeated verbal and written representations had been submitted to the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL), executing contractors and subcontractors. However, the groups claimed that no concrete action or corrective measures had been initiated despite their grievances.
The signatories have called for the immediate deployment of a special technical inspection team comprising senior officials from the Public Works Department (PWD), NHIDCL and independent third-party experts to assess the quality of the work and identify deviations from prescribed standards.
They have also demanded that the executing agency repair or reconstruct the defective portions at the contractor’s own risk and cost under the applicable defect liability provisions of the contract. Further, they called for appropriate penal and legal action against those found responsible for negligence and the use of substandard materials.
To ensure accountability in future road projects, the groups have proposed joint monitoring by departmental engineers and village-level monitoring committees.
The statement warned that failure to initiate concrete steps towards repairing or reconstructing the damaged stretch within October 2026 would leave them with no alternative but to launch democratic agitation, including an indefinite closure or blockade of NH-102A. The signatories said responsibility for any resulting inconvenience would rest with the concerned authorities and executing agency.
The joint press release was signed by A. Ngaopu, Convenor, and K. Ngaopuni, Co-Convenor, of the Paomata Block Chairman and Secretary Association, along with V. Careson, Convenor, and P. Gideon, Co-Convenor, of the Chilivai Phaibung Block Chairman and Secretary Association.
The groups urged the concerned authorities to intervene without delay, safeguard public interest and ensure accountability and quality in the execution of the strategically important highway infrastructure.
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