The All Nyishi Students’ Union (ANSU) has issued a stern ultimatum to the Government of Arunachal Pradesh, demanding the immediate commencement of construction on the long-delayed Package B of the 11-kilometer highway. If construction does not commence by January 25th, ANSU has threatened to initiate a series of bandhs to protest this significant government lapse.
Led by newly elected President Lezen Gyadi, ANSU has expressed deep concern over the unprecedented delay in this crucial Rs 342 crore highway project, which has been stalled for nearly four years. The union has urged Chief Minister Pema Khandu, who also holds the portfolio of Public Works Department (PWD) Minister, to exercise strict oversight and ensure the project progresses without further hindrance.
Despite repeated assurances from the authorities, the construction remains stagnant. This inaction has compelled ANSU to consider drastic measures, including a bandh, to protest this blatant neglect.
The Arunachal Pradesh government is currently grappling with the decision of whether to terminate the contracts associated with Package B, as the original contractor failed to meet project deadlines. The PWD highway department previously issued a termination notice to Woodhill Shivam and TK Engineering Consortium Pvt. Ltd., the executing agencies, for their failure to achieve project milestones. The project, which includes a crucial 3.9-kilometer two-lane flyover, was originally scheduled for completion by December.
While Packages A and C of the four-lane highway from Chandan Nagar to Banderdewa have been completed within the stipulated timeframe, the persistent delay in Package B remains a significant concern. Chief Minister Pema Khandu inaugurated Package A in March 2021 following delays attributed to the COVID-19 pandemic. Furthermore, the Itanagar bench of the Gauhati High Court has issued directives to the state government to address the deteriorating condition of roads within the capital region.
This situation has sparked widespread concern among leaders, who question the overall state of road infrastructure across the state, encompassing district headquarters, national highways, state highways, major district roads, and even village roads. These concerns extend beyond natural factors, highlighting issues of accountability, poor project monitoring, and a failure to effectively implement crucial policies.
The plight of motorists navigating the Naharlagun highway is expected to persist for at least another two years. The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) had initially awarded a Rs 341 crore contract to a company for the construction of the 11-kilometer highway. However, this company failed to achieve even 30% of the work within the allotted three-year timeframe, resulting in the termination of the contract.
The Orissa-based Woodhill Shivam JV secured the contract for the four-laning of the highway from Papunalah to Lekhi, a project awarded by the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL). The work commenced on December 18, 2021, with the project being executed by the sublet firm TK Engineering Consortium Pvt. Ltd., based in Arunachal Pradesh.
