Itanagar: Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu has indicated that the state government may soon terminate the contract with a construction firm for the 11-km stretch of NH-415. The project, which stretches from the Barapani River Bridge in Naharlagun to Nirjuli in Papum Pare, has missed its deadline for completion, prompting concerns over its delayed progress.
In response to a Zero Hour discussion initiated by BJP legislator Pani Taram about the poor condition of the critical road, Khandu expressed frustration over the slow pace of work. He pointed out that despite successful completion of many roads under the Trans Arunachal Highway, the state’s overall progress is marred by delays on this stretch.
The project was awarded on December 8, 2021, with an expected completion date of December 2023. However, only 39 percent of the physical work has been completed to date.
Chief Minister Khandu stated that the government could not afford to let the project remain stalled, noting that the construction firm, Woodhill Shivam, had requested an 18-month extension, promising completion by May 2026. Khandu added that the government had already written to the company twice, urging them to expedite work, but with no significant progress.
In October 2023, Nitin Gadkari, Minister of Road Transport and Highways, reviewed the project’s status and advised against contract termination, recommending that the state try to persuade the contractor to complete it. However, Khandu emphasized that re-tendering the project would lead to further delays of seven to eight months, making it an impractical option.
The flyover construction on the same stretch has also been progressing slowly, further complicating timely project completion.
Khandu confirmed that the contract will likely be terminated, and the state government would reissue tenders to ensure the project is completed swiftly. In the meantime, maintenance work will be undertaken to provide relief to the public.
Legislator Taram, who raised the issue, highlighted the severe hardships caused by the road’s poor condition, urging that commuters are being forced to take a longer detour via Yupia to reach Itanagar.
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