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Judgment
This writ relates to the strengthening and improvement of the Jowai-Ratacherra project road of National Highway-6 (NH-6) of about 102.255 km in length.
Further to our order dated 24th National Highways Authority of India February, 2025, the Project Director, (NHAI) PIU, Shillong has filed an affidavit dated 11th April, 2025 together with a status report.
According to this status report, this strengthening and improvement work commenced on 22nd March, 2024 by NHAI. It is entrusted to two contractors Purvanchal Buildtech Pvt. Ltd. in respect of 51 km (Jowai to Wahiajer) and Dhar Construction Company in respect of 51.255 km from Wahiajer to Ratacherra.
This status report gives a detailed description of the work being carried out accompanied by photographs. According to it, 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 indicates some impediments in the progress of work like heavy flow of traffic but nevertheless acknowledges the cooperation of the district administration in regulating traffic.
Mr. S. Sengupta, learned counsel appearing for the Authority submits that if further two months’ time is given to his client, the entire improvement and strengthening work would be completed.
Learned Amicus Curiae points 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.
Mr. S. Sengupta assures the Court that in this two months’ time, the said problems would be redressed and the work would be over.
Overall, we are satisfied with the progress made by NHAI.
We adjourn this PIL till 18th June, 2025 with the expectation that the respondent authority will be in a position to file a completion report.