Few bidders, dismal approach of govt likely to delay Jammu-Akhnoor four-lane project

JAMMU: The upgradation of Jammu-Akhnoor section NH-144-A from the fourth Tawi Bridge to Hanuman Chowk (30.097 km) to four lanes is likely to face delay due to indifferent approach of bidders as well as state government.

This is a vital defence road and among the busiest roads of the state, which connects Rajouri and Poonch to the rest of the country.

“National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) has given the contract for the first phase of project to SP Singla Construction Pvt Ltd on Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) mode. The Chandigarh-based company is responsible for the construction of pillars on the road for 5.2 Km long proposed flyover from Canal head to Ganesh Vihar,” an official said.

“We had floated tenders twice for the construction of road but due to few bidders, contract was not awarded to any bidder. After the tender was floated for the third time, five companies have qualified technical bids.

“These companies were Ceigall Private limited, Dineshchandra R. Agarwal Infracom Private limited, NKG Infrastructure limited, SP Singla Construction Private limted, SRK Construction and Projects Private Limted and Tramat Limited,” an official told The News Now.

“Now the financial consultant of NHIDCL will evaluate and asses the general responsiveness of the bids,” official added.

Ironically, the state administration has also adopted dismal approach towards the project.

“The responsibility of acquiring land for the project relies upon state government which has so far only handed over the government land. The state government is yet to hand over all the private land required for the execution of project. The project involves acquisition of 1534 kanals of land,” official added.

The bottlenecks in executing construction work hamper vehicular movement as well as causing inconvenience to commuters. Long traffic jams can be witnessed during morning and evening times. Moreover, people residing in adjoining roads are also facing health issues due to dust.

The Jammu-Akhnoor-Rajouri-Poonch road was declared NH-144-A and approved under the Prime Minister Development Package for Rs 5,100 crore in November 2015. The project will cost around Rs 914.48 crore.

Updated On 3/23/2019 11:17:30 AM
Updated On 3/24/2019 10:45:58 PM