ES Reporter 

ITANAGAR, Mar 10:  The much-awaited four-laning of National Highway-415 (Package-B) has hit a major roadblock, with Chief Minister Pema Khandu announcing plans to seek contract termination due to unsatisfactory progress.
Responding to a query by MLA Koloriang Pani Taram during the ongoing Budget session, Khandu revealed that the project, originally scheduled for completion by December 7, 2024, remains far behind schedule, with only 39.30% physical progress and 37.25% financial completion as of February 28, 2025.
Expressing disappointment, Khandu stated that the state government would formally write to the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways (MoRTH) to terminate the contract of M/S Woodhill Shivam, the executing agency. However, the termination process under EPC mode could take another 7-8 months, delaying fresh tenders and full-scale work resumption. In the meantime, the state government has committed to maintaining the road using its own funds to provide some relief to the public.
Khandu recalled that discussions regarding the project delay had already been held with Union MoRTH Minister Nitin Gadkari in Delhi on October 21, 2024, followed by another meeting on November 6, 2024. "Coming from a construction background, I had already guaranteed that at the current pace, this contract would not be completed on time," he asserted.
Despite the MoRTH's suggestion to continue with the existing contractor, the state government directed the department to mediate with the contractor and subcontractor to explore possible solutions. Following discussions, 35% of the work was reassigned to a new sub-contractor, while 14% remained with TK Engineering, ensuring compliance with subcontracting norms.
Meanwhile, the main contractor, M/S Woodhill Shivam, has sought an 18-month extension, pushing the revised deadline to May 2026. However, based on ground reports, Khandu expressed skepticism over its feasibility. "I do not believe this project will be completed within the assured timeline," he said, emphasizing the need for MoRTH’s consent to terminate the contract and initiate a fresh tender.
Adding to the complexity, the issue has also reached the courts, with a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) pending. Despite legal hurdles, Khandu assured that temporary renovation work would continue until a new contractor takes over.
The NH-415 (Package-B) project, spanning 11.306 km, was launched on December 8, 2021, but has faced repeated delays, causing severe inconvenience to commuters. 

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Kenter Joya Riba

(Managing Editor)
      She is a graduate in Science with post graduation in Sociology from University of Pune. She has been in the media industry for nearly a decade. Before turning to print business, she has been associated with radio and television.
Email: kenterjoyaz@easternsentinel.in / editoreasternsentinel@gmail.com
Phone: 0360-2212313

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