Morung File Photo
Contractors commit to complete project by March 31, 2026
Our Correspondent
Kohima | March 6
Nagaland PWD (Roads & Bridges) Minister, G Kaito Aye today cited litigation, alignment changes and forest clearance issues, landowner disputes and compensation demands and Covid-19 Pandemic as the reason for delay in completion of the capital road (bypass road from Dimapur to Kohima) under ISC Scheme.
Replying this to MLA Achumbemo Kikon on the Floor of the House, Aye stated that during the tendering phase, the bid documents submitted by M/s Vikram Infrastructure Co were found to have broken seals and were returned for rectification. However, the bidder failed to resubmit the documents within the stipulated time, and their bid was not accepted. The bidder M/s Vikram Infrastructure Co being aggrieved filed a case in the Guwahati High Court on June 21, 2017, seeking acceptance of their Bid documents. The project’s commencement was delayed until the court dismissed the case and the work could commence only after the court closed the case on 19th June 2018 as per judgement.
The judgment stated “The impugned common Judgment and Order dated 19.06.2018 passed by the writ Court in WP(C) No. 3916 of 2017 and WP(C) No. 1473 of 2018 is found to be unsustainable and the same is hereby set aside. The writ appeals are accordingly allowed and disposed of. Any interim order/orders passed earlier shall stand merged with this judgment and order.”
On Change of Alignment, Aye stated that during execution, it was found that the original alignment encroached upon the Forest Department office compound, necessitating a revision.
The process of surveying a new alignment and obtaining the required forest clearance resulted in a delay of 234 days, from June 17, 2019 to February 6, 2020.
On landowner issues and compensation, the minister stated that despite obtaining the necessary No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the concerned Villages, the project faced disruptions due to landowner disputes.
The Minister stated that several landowners from Hozukhe and Nikhekhu villages demanded compensation for land and plantations, resulting in work stoppages at chainages 1.0 to 1.60 km, 1.70 to 2.05 km, and 2.5 to 7.16 km on several occasions.
The contractor discussed the matter with the landowners and resolved the issue without any payments of compensation by the Government.
These interruptions caused significant delays to the project but the Contractor has provided a commitment on 27.02.2025 to complete the project by March 31, 2026, the Minister stated.
ALLOTMENT OF WORK/PAYMENT MADE TILL DATE
Package –I (0Km to 11.00Km)
Name: Vilelie Khamo & Sons
Payment made: Rs 30.04 crore
Package –II (11.00 Km to 23.00Km)
Name: M/s Coal Mines Associated Traders Pvt Ltd
Payment made: Rs 100.99 crore
Package–III (23.00Km to 34.171Km)
Name: Vilelie Khamo & Sons
Payment made: Rs 98.13 crore
