MLA raises concerns over slow progress of the Trans-Arunachal Highway (TAH), flyover project in Naharlagun

The persistent delays in completing Package B of NH-415, a crucial highway segment connecting major areas of Arunachal Pradesh’s capital region, were raised in the state Legislative Assembly during Zero Hour. Koloriang MLA Pani Taram highlighted the slow progress of the Trans-Arunachal Highway (TAH) and the flyover in Naharlagun, questioning the continued engagement of the executing agency despite missing multiple deadlines.

Chief Minister Pema Khandu, who also oversees the Public Works Department (PWD), admitted his disappointment with the situation. "I am personally fed up with the condition of the Papu Nallah-Nirjuli stretch," he stated, acknowledging public frustration over the stalled project.

The 11.306-km-long Package B, spanning from Papu Nallah to Jully Trijunction, remains incomplete despite the rest of the Trans-Arunachal Highway nearing completion. As of February 28, only 39.30% of physical progress and 27.25% of financial progress had been achieved.

Originally awarded to Woodhill Shivam, an Odisha-based construction firm, the project was supposed to be completed by December 8, 2023. However, after failing to meet the deadline, the company requested an 18-month extension, now pushing the estimated completion to May 2026.

CM Khandu expressed skepticism over the firm’s ability to meet this new timeline, stating that at its current pace and available manpower, the work may still remain unfinished by 2026. He assured the Assembly that he would convene discussions with PWD officials and the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways (MoRTH) to explore terminating Woodhill Shivam’s contract and engaging a new firm.

MLA Pani Taram questioned why the executing agency’s contract had not been revoked despite continuous delays. He further pointed out that M/s SPS Technocrat Pvt. Ltd., a subcontractor receiving 35% of the project share, should be held accountable and given a strict deadline for completion.

Taram also criticized the poor condition of the Nirjuli-Naharlagun road, noting that despite contractual agreements, Woodhill Shivam had failed to carry out necessary maintenance work. The dilapidated state of the road has forced commuters to use alternative routes via the outskirts to reach Itanagar from Nirjuli and Banderdewa.

In light of these issues, Taram urged the Arunachal Pradesh government to issue fresh tenders for Package B of the TAH and the Naharlagun flyover. He stressed that the current pace of work—just 40% completed—was unacceptable, given that the highway was originally scheduled to be finished by 2025.

Chief Minister Khandu reassured the House that despite delays in Package B, the overall TAH project was near completion. He added that the construction agency had recently submitted a revised work plan to the Government of Arunachal Pradesh (GoAP) and committed to completing the project by May 2026.

Meanwhile, the Arunachal Pradesh government has announced the termination of the contract for Package B, citing failure to meet project benchmarks. The contract, initially awarded to Woodhill Shivam (JV) and later subcontracted to TK Engineering Consortium Pvt. Ltd., will now be handed over to a new agency. The ₹342 crore project, which includes a 3.9 km two-lane flyover, has faced multiple setbacks, with Packages A and C nearing completion while Package B lags significantly behind.

The PWD had earlier issued a termination notice to TK Engineering due to non-compliance with project deadlines. With commuters facing severe inconvenience, the government is now under pressure to expedite the project and ensure timely completion.