State deputy chief minister, in-charge of National Highways, TR Zeliang, who also the minister in-charge of National Highways, asserted that “unworkable bidding guidelines” was the primary reason for repeated failures in road construction projects.
Addressing a section of media persons on the sidelines of an event at Jalukie, Zeliang slammed the practice of awarding contracts to the lowest bidder as per by current guidelines.
The deputy chief minister pointed out that some firms quote rates 35-40% below the estimated cost, which he described as unworkable.
“This is the root cause of failures in road construction,” he said, explaining that contractors, unable to profit while adhering to the Detailed Project Report (DPR) specifications, often halt work midway, leading to contract terminations or foreclosures.
Acknowledging that this system directly compromised the quality of work, Zeliang said such a trend was observed in several project packages across Nagaland.
Asked about ongoing Chakhesang Students’ Union (CSU) protest over incomplete Kohima-Jessami road project, Zeliang said that he held a meeting with National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) in the presence of the contractor last month.
At the meeting, he said that the contractor had committed to achieving 7% physical progress by end of April, however only 6% was completed.
Zeliang said he had instructed the executive director of NHIDCL to consult with the contractor about covering the shortfall in May, which the contractor assured to make up.
The deputy chief minister disclosed that another joint review meeting has been scheduled with NHIDCL officials and the contractor on May 20 to assess the situation and find a way forward.