Shillong: The Meghalaya High Court has granted the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) an extension until August 18, 2025, to complete the Jowai-Ratacherra road project along National Highway-6. The decision comes in light of construction delays attributed to adverse weather conditions.
A division bench comprising Chief Justice IP Mukerji and Justice W Diengdoh made the decision while hearing PIL No. 11/2022. During the proceedings, NHAI counsel Shoumen Sengupta presented a progress report on the 102.255-kilometre stretch, which has been under development since March 2024.
The project is being executed in two sections by separate contractors. Purvanchal Buildtech Pvt. Ltd., managing the 51-kilometre Jowai to Wahiajer segment, has completed 75% of the work. Dhar Construction Company, responsible for the remaining 51.255-kilometre Wahiajer to Ratacherra stretch, has achieved 80% completion. These figures show incremental progress since the last court review in April 2025, when completion stood at 67% and 73%, respectively.
Sengupta explained the slowdown, citing heavy rainfall as a major hindrance to meeting earlier commitments. Acknowledging these challenges, the court accepted the request for more time, ordering NHAI to submit a final completion report by August 18.
The public interest litigation was originally filed by the late Kynjaimon Amse. The court has appointed advocate S Panthi as amicus curiae to continue monitoring the matter in the public’s interest. The bench has directed the amicus to observe the work closely and file a counter-report if necessary.
The next hearing has been scheduled for August 20, 2025.
The Jowai-Ratacherra road, once completed, is expected to significantly enhance connectivity and economic activity in the region. However, persistent delays have raised concerns regarding infrastructure execution and seasonal vulnerabilities.