Latest news with #NationalHighwaysandInfrastructureDevelopmentCorporationLimited
Time of India
6 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
NHIDCL scraps contract for Aizwal tunnel project over security concerns
Aizawl: The National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) has cancelled a key consultancy contract for supervising the construction of a 2.5km twin-tube tunnel on the eastern Aizawl Bypass, following a joint venture's failure to secure mandatory national security clearance from the ministry of home affairs. The contract, which was awarded on April 29 to a joint venture led by railway PSU Rail India Technical and Economic Service (RITES) Limited in collaboration with Turkish partners, was scrapped last week after multiple reminders from the NHIDCL failed to elicit the required documentation. Officials said the security clearance was critical due to the tunnel's strategic location on NH-6, a lifeline in the northeastern region vulnerable to landslides and floods. The move comes close on the heels of India's cross-border military Operation Sindoor and reflects a broader shift in India's infrastructure policy — one that increasingly weighs foreign firms' geopolitical associations. Turkey's perceived alignment with Pakistan is understood to have raised red flags during the vetting process. According to official documents, NHIDCL had written to the joint venture on May 28, instructing them to furnish security clearance certificates. With no response forthcoming, the cancellation was done 'with immediate effect' on national security grounds. The project, which entails authority engineering services for the critical tunnel, will now be re-tendered or awarded to a fully vetted Indian firm, potentially delaying progress by up to a year. A senior official involved in the review said, "Any infrastructure in proximity to international borders or strategic terrain must meet strict security protocols. This is not just procedural — it's non-negotiable."
Time of India
10-06-2025
- Automotive
- Time of India
Jorhat-Jhanji 4-lane highway achieves 97% progress: DC Shivani
Dibrugarh: The long-awaited four-lane NH-37 stretch between Jorhat and Jhanji is finally approaching completion, with Jorhat DC Jay Shivani announcing that the project has achieved 97% physical progress during a comprehensive inspection on Tuesday. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The DC, accompanied by officials from the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL), conducted a thorough review of the construction work that has been ongoing for nearly a decade. The inspection comes as the project enters its final phase, bringing hope to commuters who have endured years of construction delays and traffic disruptions. "The project is on the last stage of construction and has achieved a physical progress of 97%," said DC Jay Shivani during the inspection. However, he emphasised the need for acceleration in critical areas, directing NHIDCL officials to expedite work on two crucial components — the Bhogdoi river bridge and the Jhanji river bridge. The ambitious infrastructure project spans 37.8 km, with 36.8 km falling within Jorhat district and one km extending into neighbouring Sivasagar district. The massive undertaking represents a total investment of Rs 738.15 crore and includes the construction of a modern toll plaza to manage traffic flow and revenue collection. The construction work has been divided among three contractors across four different packages. M/s Sadguru Engineers holds responsibility for constructing 10 km of the highway alongside the toll plaza infrastructure. M/s Binni Construction is managing a 14-km stretch, while M/s MP Agarwala is handling the remaining 13.8 km of the project. The highway project has faced significant challenges since its inception, with multiple cost and time overruns plaguing the construction timeline. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Union road transport and highways minister Nitin Gadkari had laid the foundation stone for the Jorhat-Jhanji four-lane section on Feb 27, 2016, marking the beginning of what was expected to be a transformative infrastructure development for the region. However, nine years have passed since construction began, far exceeding the original timeline and highlighting the complex nature of large-scale highway projects in the region. The delays have been attributed to various factors, including land acquisition, weather disruptions, logistical challenges and contractor-related hurdles, common to infrastructure projects in Assam. The completion of the highway stretch is expected to significantly improve connectivity in the upper Assam region, facilitating smoother transportation of goods and passengers, while reducing travel time. The four-lane configuration will accommodate increased traffic volume and enhance road safety standards along the crucial corridor.
Time of India
24-05-2025
- General
- Time of India
Tripura jumbo corridor to be ready by winter: Minister
Agartala: The state govt has announced plans to complete a dedicated elephant corridor along NH-8 at Teliamura in Khowai district by the upcoming winter season. Forest minister Animesh Debbarma said the safe passage for elephants is under construction in the Atharamura hill range extending to Baramura. Communities near Atharamura foothills have experienced difficulties with wild elephants over several years, with herds damaging crops, homes and local infrastructure while searching for sustenance. "The forest department always tries to look at the incidents in sympathetic consideration for both villagers and the elephants as well. Because of food shortage inside the forest, elephants ravage human habitations. Villagers grow crops for their livelihood, but elephants destroy them," said the minister, referencing incidents in Kalyanpur, Krishnapur and Mungiakami areas. The administration's decision to establish a corridor to the buffer zone stems from the understanding that well-fed elephants within forests are less likely to venture into villages, said Debbarma. The passage, situated on the Assam-Agartala national highway, intends to reduce conflicts between humans and elephants. The region hosts around 40 elephants, predominantly in Khowai, Dhalai and Gomati districts. The forest department implements traditional techniques, modern monitoring systems and community engagement to minimise human-wildlife encounters. "The safe corridor along NH-8 is currently under development. We have informed the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited about our plan for the elephants, and they have agreed to collaborate. The project is likely to be completed by the end of the year," said Debbarma. He also revealed plans for upgrading Sepahijala Zoo to international standards, highlighting recent achievements including the birth of three tiger cubs as evidence of improved facilities. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Brother's Day wishes , messages and quotes !
