ITANAGAR, 10 Feb: Bhimji Velji Sorathia Construction Pvt Ltd (BVSCPL), which is constructing the Itanagar-Jote state highway, said that the whole stretch can be expected to be completed by 31 March if the “work scope” is changed.
“By changing the work scope from dense bituminous macadam (DBM) to cement concrete (CC) at 7 km from Chainage No 0 to 7 in the capital region stretch of the highway, we can expect completion of the whole stretch of the 20 kms long road by 31 March this year,” said the firm’s project director Ngurang Changriang.
A Gujarat-based firm, the BVSCPL is constructing the highway from Gohpur Tinali to the NIT in Jote, in Papum Pare district. The estimated cost of construction is around Rs 89 crore, being funded by the NABARD and the state government.
“Officials who surveyed the road earlier highlighted the need to widen and strengthen the road by changing the work scope from DBM to CC road from Chainage 0 to 7 as the stretch remains swampy and has waterlogging problems,” Changriang said.
“The water supply pipeline in Itanagar, measuring around 400 mm, is also a major challenge as the pipeline is going under the road at some locations and there are no possibilities of defection of the road project if it is continued with the existing design,” he said.
“So, cost difference and variation may take place and additional funds may be required which need approval. I have discussed the issue with the chief engineer and I am going to submit a proposal soon,” said Changriang.
He added: “Around 6 kms of the road lies in the capital region while the remaining 14 kms are in Papum Pare. The CC road, if approved, would be constructed in the capital region area. As of now, around 6-km stretch has been carpeted, starting from the NIT trijunction in Jote. There are high tension electricity lines passing in a few places, which need to be shifted. I am trying to execute the work and hope that if the change of scope of work is approved by the PWD, the agency may be able to complete the work by 31 March,” Changriang said.
