Breaking News: Triumph for NH-2 Road Project as HC Empowers NHIDCL with Critical Maintenance Move | MorungExpress

Kohima Bench Allows Highway Maintenance Tenders Amid NHIDCL-Contractor Dispute

Dimapur, October 6: The Gauhati High Court Kohima Bench has granted permission to the National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) to proceed with two tenders issued on August 8, 2024, for the short-term maintenance of National Highway 2, from Kohima to Mao. The tenders cover stretches of 8.46 km and 18.334 km, with completion deadlines of two and three months, respectively.

The court, in its order dated October 4 by Justices Manish Choudhury and Kakheto Sema, directed the NHIDCL to finalize the tender processes swiftly and permitted an extension of the submission deadline by seven days, up to October 15. A status report on the tenders is expected during the next hearing of the suo motu public interest litigation on October 23.

Previously, on September 4, the NHIDCL informed the court of the deteriorating condition of the highway, blaming contractor M/s Fortune Groups for missed deadlines and maintenance lapses. An August 25 notice had warned the contractor of potential action at its risk and cost, following which negotiations were encouraged but ultimately failed.

Despite the NHIDCL’s issuance of new tenders on September 11, the court issued a warning against contempt, as the earlier tenders were still under deliberation. The NHIDCL later canceled the September 11 tenders and apologized to the court on October 4.

Citing the original "Upgradation of the existing road to a 2-lane with paved shoulders" agreement from October 2020, the court highlighted the incomplete status, with only 74.23% of the physical work and 72.13% financial progress achieved. The court emphasized the NHIDCL’s responsibility to ensure public safety and expedite the proper conclusion of the tender processes.

Original Story https://www.morungexpress.com/nh-2-road-project-hc-allows-nhidcl-to-proceed-with-short-term-maintenance-tenders
Category : Nagaland
Tags: