NHIDCL’s Gross Negligence Claims a Life Along NH-2 Expansion Site at Keithelmanbi

A tragic incident claiming the life of a young man late Saturday night has sparked outrage among residents and commuters along National Highway-2 after alleged negligence by the National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) was blamed for the fatal mishap.

The deceased, identified as Paogoumang Kipgen, a resident of Haipi village, reportedly fell into a deep pit left without a barricade by NHIDCL workers near Keithelmanbi Military Colony around 6:00 p.m. on Saturday evening while riding his motorcycle from the Kangpokpi side. The pit, dug as part of the ongoing road-widening works under NHIDCL, had no warning sign, barricade, or reflector, making it invisible in the dark.

Kangpokpi Police recovered the body and brought it to the District Hospital, where the doctor declared him brought dead.

This is not an isolated case. Similar incidents have repeatedly occurred along the same stretch of the highway, particularly around Keithelmanbi and Kalapahar areas. On previous occasions, three members of the Eimi Riders reportedly fell into similar pits on several occasions, escaping with minor injuries, while several other civilians from Keithelmanbi and Kholjang areas have suffered near-fatal accidents and vehicle damage — all due to the absence of basic safety measures.

Early Sunday morning, a Tata truck loaded with bricks also fell into another pit near the same location.

Despite persistent complaints and visible danger, NHIDCL has allegedly remained a mute spectator, showing no urgency to address the alarming safety lapses along the construction zone. Commuters accuse the agency of utter negligence and disregard for human life, pointing out that not a single functional safety reflector, caution sign, or barricade has been installed at hazardous points.

Locals further lamented the clouds of dust engulfing the highway, blaming NHIDCL for failing to carry out regular sprinkling of water despite the unbearable conditions faced by daily commuters.

“If NHIDCL had taken minimal responsibility and ensured proper safety signage, this precious young life could have been saved,” a commuter from Keithelmanbi remarked, calling the tragedy “a preventable disaster caused by negligence.”

As of filing this report, the lifeless body of the victim remains unclaimed at the District Hospital, Kangpokpi.

It was reported that officials of NHIDCL and the Village Authority of Haipi have been engaging in talks to resolve the issue.

Residents have demanded immediate accountability from the construction agency and warned that further inaction could lead to more preventable deaths along the nation’s lifeline.