The State PWD Highway Department is awaiting fresh sanction for the Package B portion of the Itanagar-Banderdewa four-lane highway from the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH). Package B, which stretches from Papu Hill to Nirjuli, was awarded to M/s Woodhill-Shivam (JV). However, the contractor’s agreement was terminated by the PWD Highway Department in April this year after it failed to complete the construction within the stipulated timeframe.

After the contract was terminated, the department initiated the process of floating a fresh tender for Package B.

M/s Woodhill-Shivam (JV) was awarded the contract on 8 December, 2021 for Rs 341,71,74,400. The project was scheduled to be completed by 6 December, 2024.

The state of the highway is deplorable, and going by how casual the department has been, nothing much can be expected. For years, this road has inconvenienced citizens, yet it has not moved the government to intervene. Occasional patchwork is not enough. The government must take this matter seriously and work with dedication and sincerity to complete a highway in the state capital.