DIMAPUR, OCTOBER 7 (MExN): Department of Works & Housing, Government of Nagaland in a rejoinder to the Nagaland Contractors and Suppliers Union (NCSU) on Friday clarified that the JV Maytas-Gayatri (JV) did not abandon the two-lane projects after carrying out formation cutting under SARDP-Phase 1, as alleged.
A press release from Commissioner & Secretary, I Himato Zhimomi maintained that the JV had to suspend the works as the revised estimates were not approved by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MORTH). Subsequently, following a PIL, the Guwahati High court directed the MORTH to reconsider the revised estimates and appointed a Court Commissioner to oversee the completion of works.
Consequently, the MORTH filed a review petition in the Guwahati High Court, which was dismissed. The MORTH has now filed a special leave petition in the Supreme Court (SC) and the matter is listed to be heard at the earliest.
The SARDP-Phase 1 works is therefore expected to recommence as soon as the matter is dispensed by the SC and once the revised estimates are approved by the MORTH, the press release pointed out. On the issue of 4 laning of NH-29, it stated that Gayatri won the national tender floated by NHIDCL for 15 kilometer stretch of the road, adding there is no issue of any “eyewash” by the company as they qualified technically and financially for the aforementioned road through open bidding basis.
In view of the above, the PWD (HN) has appealed to the NCSU to refrain from unfounded charges and to also desist from making indirect intimidations to the company.
“The long-awaited 4 lane NH-29 will be the lifeline for the Naga people and will act as the most important link of Government of India’s Act East Policy. It is therefore important that all sections of the society understand the significance of this road and provide full cooperation to this national project so that the companies are able to complete the works on time without any interference,” the press release further maintained.
