NH-29 four-lane: HC directs NHIDCL & Contractor to deliberate on Package III

October 13, 2022 26 Views No Comment

Morung Express News
Kohima | October 13

The Guwahati High Court, Kohima Bench, on October 12, directed the contractor of the Package-III of ongoing the National Highway 29 four-lane construction and the NHIDCL to hold deliberation regarding the status of the works. The stretch from Piphema to Jotsoma is covered under the package.

The Division Bench of Justices LS Jamir and Songkhupchung Serto made the direction after the counsel for the Contractor (M/s Oasis Techno Construction Limited) made the proposal while resuming a PIL (Sou Motu) on the ongoing construction works for four-laning of Dimapur to Kohima road.

The proposal was accepted by the counsel for National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation (NHIDCL) in the “interest of the public,” the Court said.

Accordingly, the Bench issued the directive and asked the NHIDCL to take the initiative.

The counsel for the contractor of Package- III also submitted that its three Directors could not appear before the Bench on Wednesday as directed by the Court on September 28 “due to health reasons.”

Further, it was submitted that the newly appointed Contractor is “expected to continue their works till new arrangements are made.”

In respect of Package- I & II, the Bench noted that see some work has been done but at a very “minimal level” and directed the Contractor (M/S RAMKY-ECI JV) to ensure that the “work is completed within the timeframe already given” i.e. on or before November 30.

Earlier on September 28, the Beanch had directed the NHIDCL “not to release any pending dues including the Bank Guarantee” to contractor of Package-III “without the leave of this Court.”

It cited non completion of work within stipulated time and abandonment of work by the contractor, while issuing the order.

For “lackadaisical, irresponsible behaviour as well as making deliberate false promises on oath before” the Court, the Bench also directed the contractor to liquidate 10% of the total contract amount (Rs 111.19 Crore) to NHIDCL within one month from September 29.

The abandonment of the work was confirmed by the Director of M/s Oasis Techno Construction Limited before the Bench on September 28.

Source: https://morungexpress.com/nh-29-four-lane-hc-directs-nhidcl-contractor-to-deliberate-on-package-iii