Another roadblock for Dmr-Chumu 4-lane project

Workers involved in construction works along the Purana Bazaar-Chümoukedima 4-lane stretch on April 10. (Morung Photo)

Morung Express News
Dimapur | April 11

The highly anticipated project to expand and improve the Dimapur-Chümoukedima stretch of NH 29 is set for further delay. A number of factors, natural as well as manmade— beginning with a delayed start to monsoon blues, squabble over rainwater runoff from the road, public utilities coming in the way, dispute over a culvert etcetera have so far beenattributed for the delayed completion of the project.

 
Now, another justification has been added to the list— the nationwide lockdown because of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

As per the latest update, around 25 percent of the total 17.3km, starting from the New Field Checkpost to the Patkai Bridge, remains incomplete. The percentage of pending work was roughly translated as paving the deck in the 5-6th Mile stretch, at intersections and 2 culverts near Patkai bridge. 

“The imposition of the nationwide lockdown has disrupted work since March,” said a senior official of the construction firm contracted for the project.  

March 2018 was the scheduled start date of the project, estimated to be worth over Rs. 500cr, with September 2019 as deadline.The ceremonial foundation stone signaling the commissioning of the work was laid by the then Chief Minister TR Zeliang in January 2018.The actual ground work began only in August 2018. 

The official told The Morung Express today that the deadline was extended to May 12, 2020 and the firm was targeting to wrap up the works by mid-April. 

However, he claimed that work came to a halt even before the nationwide lockdown was enforced. “Since March 15 there has been no activity as supply of cement and other items were disrupted.”

Asked whether the firm would be able to meet the scheduled May 12 deadline, he said, “At this moment we will not be able to predict or give a date as it will be subject to the lifting or relaxation of the lockdown.” 

When reminded that the government has relaxed restrictions on public infrastructure projects, he said that unless the firm is able to procure cement aggregate, work cannot resume. According to him, the firm sources construction material from different parts of the country. 

Queried on the quality of work so far, he maintained that it is as per the specification and added that it is covered by a ‘Defect Liability’ clause i.e. a contractual obligation for repair and maintenance for a period of 4 years. 

Workforce safety 
On safety measures adopted for its workforce in the wake of the COVID-19 threat, he said that the firm has provided the basic precautionary items. While informing that most of its labour force left for their homes before the lockdown, he said that around 100-120 personnel,stationed here since the start of the project, had to stay back.