A stretch of the two-lane Kohima-Jessami Road
Morung Express News
Kohima | February 27
Construction of the two-lane Kohima-Jessami Road Package-II previously awarded to the EPC Contractor M/s KCPL was terminated on April 17, 2023 due to contractual default, however a new contractor has been appointed to complete the project.
Deputy Chief Minister and Minister-in-Charge of Planning and Transformation, TR Zeliang stated this in response to a starred question put by MLA, Kuzholuzo Nienu in the State Assembly on February 27.
The physical progress as of terminated contract stands at 58.08% with financial progress as of terminated contract at 54.08%.
The balance work of the same has been further awarded to the EPC Contractor M/s Ratna infrastructure Projects Pvt Ltd with the appointed date on January 5, 2024, and scheduled date of completion as January 4, 2026, he said.
Zeliang maintained the EPC contractor is mobilising the machinery and workforce at site to start the work at the earliest.
Further queried on why the work has not started till today, he said notice has been issued for the contractor to start the work immediately.
However, he cited some hindrances such as land owner issue with the locals.
Accordingly, while noting that all are equally concern for the work to immediately take off, Zeliang requested the elected members of the house to take care of the obstructions citing some particular areas in Kohima (218 meters) and Phek (170 meters) where landowners are refusing to remove structures and demanding high compensation charges.
Once, these problems are sorted out, Zeliang informed the house of the assurance given by the contractor to monitor and mobilise for completion of the work.
The department and the NHIDCL will pursue the matter with the contractor to start the work immediately, he added.
The Deputy CM also informed that the original sanction amount of the work previously allotted M/s KCPL was Rs 355.79 crore but the work order amount was Rs 202 crore as the contractor has quoted below civil rate.
The remaining portion of the project amount balance for the second contractor is Rs 69 crore, he further stated.
