Arunachal government to terminate Naharlagun highway contract after repeated delays

The Arunachal Pradesh government has announced the termination of the contract for Package B of the NH-415 highway project, citing failure to meet project milestones. Chief Minister Pema Khandu confirmed that TK Engineering Consortium Pvt. Ltd., the firm handling the contract, will be replaced. The highway project, spanning 11 kilometers with an estimated cost of ₹342 crore, was awarded to Orissa-based Woodhill Shivam (JV) but was later subcontracted to TK Engineering Consortium Pvt. Ltd. based in Naharlagun.

The project, part of a larger four-lane highway from Chandan Nagar to Banderdewa, was divided into three packages (A, B, and C). While Packages A and C were largely completed on time, Package B—covering a critical 3.9 km two-lane flyover—has seen significant delays, & almost reaching its December 2024 deadline. The Public Works Department (PWD) had previously issued a termination notice to TK Engineering for failing to meet agreed-upon benchmarks.

Concerns about the condition of the Naharlagun highway have intensified, especially as the Itanagar Bench of the Gauhati High Court recently directed the state government to address the deteriorating road conditions. Local leaders voiced frustrations, suggesting that if the state capital’s roads are in disrepair, other districts likely face even worse conditions. They attribute these problems to poor oversight and a lack of accountability among authorities.

The plight of motorists on the Naharlagun highway is expected to continue for at least two more years.
Although the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) floated tender in 2021 won in 341crores deal for meagre 11km highway the plights of denizens continue as awarded company failed to complete even 30 percent of work in three years deadline period compelling the authorities to terminate the contract now.