Work under Package B of National Highway (NH) 415, the main highway of the state capital, is way behind schedule, with the overall physical progress currently at 44.56 percent, leaving 55.44 percent of the work still pending.
The total sanctioned cost of the project is Rs 341.71 crore, of which Rs 151.64 crore has already been released.
The stretch of the highway involving a flyover – 3.95 km from Hotel Benjamin in Papu Nallah to Model Village in Naharlagun – is being developed under the National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL).
It was originally scheduled for completion by December 2024, but the deadline has now been extended to 31 July, 2026.
The construction of the highway and flyover has faced repeated delays and unnecessary interruptions, largely due to the inefficiency and lack of commitment from the contractors, who have failed to deliver despite several years having passed.
The project authorities must ensure that this critical section of the road is completed on time. Persistent traffic congestion and poor road conditions have become a norm over the years due to ongoing construction activities. Therefore, it is imperative that the work is completed and the revised deadline is strictly adhered to.