ITANAGAR, 10 Oct: The Public Works Department (PWD) has appealed to the organisers and all concerned to call of the proposed protest rally on 13 October, stating that all possible measures are being taken to improve the condition of the Itanagar-Banderdewa stretch of NH 415 (Package-B) "on an urgent and priority basis."

In a press statement, the chief engineer (highways) said that the department is fully aware of the prevailing condition of the Itanagar-Banderdewa stretch of the highway and regrets the inconvenience and hardships faced by the general public, particularly commuters and residents of the area.

The CE said that a revised cost estimate of Rs 303.64 crore for completion of the work of NH 415 (Package-B) was submitted to the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) in August this year and the proposal is presently under review for approval.

The chief engineer said that the four-laning project of NH 415 Package-B, covering 11.305 km, was awarded to M/s Woodhill-Shivam (JV). However, owing to persistent unsatisfactory performance and failure to fulfil contractual obligations despite repeated notices and opportunities, the EPC contract was terminated on 29 April this year, with physical progress recorded at 51.37 percent, he said.

"Following the termination, the department faced the dual challenge of maintaining the existing road in trafficable condition and initiating the necessary procedures for execution of the balance construction work," the CE said.

"The unusually prolonged and intense monsoon, accompanied by heavy rainfall, waterlogging, mudslides and deterioration of the road surface further aggravated the situation and severely hampered maintenance operations," he said.

"Notwithstanding these constraints, the department has been continuously undertaking emergency maintenance measures, including pothole filling, patch repairs, clearance of landslides and blocked drains, and other essential works to facilitate safe movement of traffic. Existing agencies with available manpower and machinery were mobilised for urgent maintenance, even during the intervening period when formal funding arrangements were yet to be finalised," the CE stated.

He said that, considering the urgency and public inconvenience, the department also initiated pavement repair works at the most critically damaged stretches through the State Plan Fund as an interim arrangement.

"Simultaneously, a short-term maintenance contract (STMC) proposal was pursued with the MoRTH for maintenance of the remaining identified stretches. Subsequently, following approval by the ministry and completion of the tendering process, the STMC work was awarded to M/s Aakshaya Infra Project Pvt Ltd, and maintenance work commenced on 8 August.

"The contract provides for approximately 21,000 square metres of pothole and patch repairs, besides drain clearance and other associated maintenance works," he said.

"Of this, approximately 7,000 square metres of pavement repairs have already been completed, and work on the remaining stretches is in progress," the CE said, adding that the STMC contractor has committed to completing the remaining pothole and patch repairs within two weeks from 8 October.

The CE further stated that the matter concerning NH 415 Package-B is under continuous monitoring of the Itanagar Permanent Bench of the Gauhati High Court through PIL No 11/2024. He said that the department remains committed to complying with the directions of the court and fulfilling its responsibilities towards the safety and convenience of the travelling public.

He said the department fully appreciates the genuine concerns, grievances and sentiments of the general public regarding the condition of the important national highway, which serves as a vital connectivity corridor for the capital region. The department urged the public to appreciate the exceptional circumstances arising out of the termination of the original contract, the procedural requirements for arranging fresh works, and the difficulties caused by the prolonged monsoon.

These circumstances, the CE said, pose considerable challenges, despite the department's continued efforts to maintain the road.

In view of the emergency repair works already underway and the specific time-bound commitment obtained from the maintenance contractor, the department appealed to the organisers to reconsider and call off the proposed protest rally and extend cooperation to enable uninterrupted and expeditious execution of the ongoing maintenance works.

"The department respects the concerns and democratic rights of the public and remains open to constructive dialogue and suggestions for improving road conditions," he said.

The CE further assured the public that the department would continue to make every possible effort to restore satisfactory trafficability at the earliest and pursue necessary measures for completion of the remaining project works in accordance with the prescribed procedures.

Reiterating its commitment to public safety, convenience and better road connectivity, the department sought patience, understanding and cooperation from all sections of society.