Shillong, April 17: The National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) has assured to complete strengthening and improvement of the Jowai -Ratacherra project road of National Highway-6 of about 102.2 55 km in length within two months’ time.
The NHAI Project Director filed an affidavit and a status report on April 11. The repairing of the NH-6 commenced on March 22, 2024.
The work was entrusted to two contractors Purvanchal Buildtech Pvt Ltd in respect of 51 km (Jowai to Wahiajer) and Dhar Construction Company in respect of 51.2 55 km from Wahiajer to Ratacherra.
According to the status report, in the first sector of 51 km, 67 per cent of the work is complete and in the second sector of 51.255 km, 73 per cent is complete.
It also indicated some impediments in the progress of work like heavy flow of traffic but nevertheless acknowledges the cooperation of the district administration in regulating traffic.
S. Sengupta, counsel appearing for the NHAI, informed the Meghalaya High Court during a hearing on the PIL on Wednesday that if further two months’ time is given to his client, the entire improvement and strengthening work would be completed.
Amicus Curiae pointed out that the problems in the highway around Umkiang Forest area and Dona road like large potholes, exposed rods from small bridges etc. as indicated in our order dated 24th February, 2025 are still subsisting and have not been addressed.
S. Sengupta assures the Court that in this two months’ time, the said problems would be redressed and the work would be over.
In its order, the bench comprising Chief Justice IP Mukerji and Justice W Diengdoh said, “Overall, we are satisfied with the progress made by NHAI.”
The bench has adjourned the hearing till June 18 and directed the NHAI to file a completion report.
