MLA Flags Sluggish Progress of Trans-Arunachal Highway, Naharlagun Flyover Project Amid Frustration and Delay
Delays Cause Tensions in Arunachal’s Package B Highway Project
The Arunachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly witnessed a heated debate during Zero Hour on the persistent delays in completing Package B of the Trans-Arunachal Highway (TAH), a crucial project connecting major areas of the state’s capital region. Koloriang MLA Pani Taram raised concerns over the slow progress of the project, specifically the flyover in Naharlagun, and the state government’s decision to continue engaging the executing agency, Woodhill Shivam, despite missed deadlines.
Chief Minister Pema Khandu acknowledged public frustration, stating, “I am personally fed up with the condition of the Papu Nallah-Nirjuli stretch.” He expressed disappointment with the ongoing project, citing that the 11.306-kilometer-long Package B, spanning from Papu Nallah to Jully Trijunction, remains unfinished despite the rest of the TAH nearing completion. As of February 28, the project had achieved only 39.30% physical progress and 27.25% financial progress.
Woodhill Shivam, the original contractor, was awarded the project and was initially supposed to complete it by December 8, 2023. However, the company requested an 18-month extension, pushing the estimated completion date to May 2026. Khandu expressed skepticism, doubting whether the contractor could meet the new timeline, given its current progress and available workforce. He assured the Assembly that he would hold discussions with PWD officials and the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways (MoRTH) to explore revoking Woodhill Shivam’s contract and engaging a new firm.
Taram questioned the decision to continue working with Woodhill Shivam, given the repeated delays and poor performance. He pointed out that the subcontractor, SPS Technocrat Pvt. Ltd., which received 35% of the project share, should be held accountable and given a strict deadline for completion. The MLA also criticized the poor condition of the Nirjuli-Naharlagun road, stating that Woodhill Shivam had failed to maintain the road despite contractual agreements.
In light of these issues, Taram urged the government to issue fresh tenders for Package B and the Naharlagun flyover, emphasizing the need for a new contract and a more efficient approach. He stressed that the current progress, with only 40% completion, was unacceptable, given the original 2025 deadline. Khandu assured the House that, despite delays in Package B, the overall TAH project was nearing completion. He added that the construction agency had submitted a revised work plan to the Government of Arunachal Pradesh (GoAP), committing to complete the project by May 2026.
In a recent development, the Arunachal Pradesh government has announced the termination of the contract for Package B, citing failure to meet project benchmarks. The ₹342 crore project, including a 3.9 km two-lane flyover, has faced multiple setbacks, with Packages A and C nearing completion while Package B lags behind. Commuters are facing severe inconvenience, and the government is under pressure to expedite the project and ensure timely completion.
Original Source: https://www.indiatodayne.in/arunachal-pradesh/video/mla-raises-concerns-over-slow-progress-of-the-trans-arunachal-highway-tah-flyover-project-in-naharlagun-1182651-2025-03-11?utm_source=rssfeed
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Publish Date: 2025-03-11 21:41:00
