Complete restoration of NH-6 under EJHD within 15 days or pay the contractors’ bill

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaOctober 25, 2022

Angered with the tardy repair and restoration of the deplorable conditions of National Highway No 6, East Jaintia Hills District Deputy Commissioner Abhilash Baranwal IAS issued NHAI a deadline of 15 days to complete restoration of the national highway or else he will invoke the Disaster Management Act for repairing the highway.

In a letter vide letter No. DDMA-8/Pt/2021/355 Dated Khliehriat, the 20th October 2022 to the Project Director, National Highways Authority of India PIU Shillong, the Deputy Commissioner pointed there has not been much improvement in the condition of the NH6 despite repeated communication and reminders from his office.

The letter informed that the worsening condition of the road especially beyond the Lumshnong stretch is also now cause of daily traffic jam and causing hardship and inconvenience to the local and interstate commuters.

Despite several reminders, the Deputy Commissioner said it appears that the NHAI has not been able to mobilize adequate resources to execute the repair works at the shortest time possible.

“You are therefore directed to address the problem of delay in completion of the repair works and since the incapacity of the present contractor is leading to the delay in the repair of the NH6, you are also to consider the possibility of engaging sub-contractors for the repair and restoration of the NH6,” said the letter

The Deputy Commissioner informed that he is empowered to invoke relevant sections of the Disaster Management Act, 2005, and engage parties competent to carry out the repair works on the latest Schedule of Rates as approved by the PWD, Government of Meghalaya and forward the bills to NHAI for necessary action.

“The undersigned will be constrained to resort to this course of action unless the NHAI is able to submit clear timelines on the course of action which will complete the restoration of the NH6 within the next 15 days,” the letter ended.