Gauhati High Court Demands Action Plan from Contractor for Aizawl-Silchar Highway Repairs

Court Orders Contractor to Present Execution Strategy

Aizawl, March 30: The Gauhati High Court has called for a definitive execution strategy from a contractor responsible for the repairs on the Aizawl-Silchar highway, questioning their ability to finish the majority of the work within the specified timeline.

In response to a public interest litigation (PIL) submitted by the Mizoram Truck Drivers’ Association (MTDA), a bench led by Justice Michael Zothankhuma and Justice Nelson Sailo instructed the Haryana-based J Infratech Limited to provide an affidavit detailing their plan to complete the remaining 65 percent of the project by April.

This contractor, working under the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd (NHIDCL), is tasked with repairing several vital sections of the highway, including stretches from Sairang Zero Point to Buichali Bridge, New Khamrang to Kawnpui, and Kolasib to Bilkhawthlir. This route is crucial for Mizoram, making any delays a significant public issue.

The MTDA, represented by its general secretary, Lalhmudika Tochhawng, filed the PIL to address the slow progress of the repairs and its adverse effects on transporters and commuters.

During the proceedings, the bench mandated NHIDCL to submit a comprehensive affidavit within two weeks, outlining the inspection protocols they have implemented to oversee the contractor's work. The court also inquired whether limestone rocks were being utilized in the construction.

Simultaneously, J Infratech Limited has been directed to submit its own affidavit regarding these matters.

Despite the contractor's claim to finish the project by April 2026, only 35 percent of the work has been accomplished to date.