The state Public Works Department (PWD) Highway Department is awaiting fresh sanction for the Package B portion of the Itanagar-Banderdewa four-lane highway from the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH).
Package B, which stretches from Papu Hill to Nirjuli, was awarded to M/s Woodhill-Shivam (JV) but the contractor’s agreement was terminated by the PWD Highway in April this year after it failed to complete the construction within the stipulated timeframe.
According to PWD Highway Chief Engineer CS Choutang, after the contract was terminated, the department initiated the process for floating a fresh tender for Package B. A reassessment of the balance work was carried out, and a new Detailed Project Report (DPR) was prepared and submitted to the ministry for sanction.
Choutang stated that as soon as the sanction is accorded, the department will float a fresh tender and resume work on Package B. Although it is difficult to provide a definite timeline, the department expects to float the fresh tender within the next six months if everything proceeds as planned.
The deteriorating condition of the Papu Hill-Naharlagun road has made life difficult for commuters using this stretch. Many residents of Naharlagun have taken to social media to vent their anger and frustration over the failure of the state government to maintain the road.
M/s Woodhill-Shivam (JV) was awarded the contract on 8 December, 2021 for Rs 341,71,74,400. The project was scheduled to be completed by 6 December, 2024. However, the contractor failed to fulfil its contractual obligations, prompting the PWD Highway to terminate the agreement in April this year. At the time of termination, the physical progress of the project stood at only 51.37 per cent.
The PWD Highway will carry out maintenance work on the road once the rains subside, with the support of the state government. Additionally, maintenance of roads within Itanagar will also be taken up in the coming days.
