Contractors shun NH10 repair tender

AVIJIT SINHA, TT, Aug 20, 2018, Siliguri: The repair of a major portion of NH10 that connects Sikkim with the rest of India is delayed as contractors are unwilling to take up the work because of purported security concerns following last year's Gorkhaland agitation.

"NH10 is in a bad shape at a number of locations along the 52km stretch connecting Sevoke with Rangpo. For the surface repairs, Rs 40 crore had been allotted and we invited tenders from construction firms. But there hasn't been a response. It is quite unusual that firms are not interested in repairs. We don't know what stops them from participate in tenders," said Anup Maity, an executive engineer (NH division IX) of the Bengal public works department.

The major portion of the highway passes through the Darjeeling hills.

Sources said the PWD had recently terminated a Rs 5 crore contract awarded to a firm for repairing a 24km stretch of the highway as it didn't fulfil certain criteria.

For another 24km, a Rs 35 crore tender was invited and there are no takers. The first 4km stretch of NH10 from Sevoke is in good shape and doesn't need repairs.

In north Bengal and Sikkim, there has been a longstanding demand to widen NH10, the principal highway that connects Sikkim and moves through the outskirts of Kalimpong town.

"The central government is building an alternative highway that would originate from the Dooars and connect Gangtok but it would take time for the road to be completed. Even now, NH10 is the main link to Sikkim," said an official of the PWD.

That is why the PWD has prepared a detailed project report to widen the highway.

"A consultant has been hired to prepare the report. There are landslide-prone zones along the stretch and a permanent solution is needed. The plan is to make 5.5m wide road (of two lanes) as building a four-lane road would involve huge costs. The DPR is likely to be sent to the Union surface transport ministry by the Bengal government in a couple of months. Now, we doubt if any contractor will come forward to take up this project," said a source.

Construction firms said they were staying off the tender process as there was a feeling of insecurity and reports of extortion.

"The construction companies developed a sort of aversion to work in the hills particularly after the agitation last year. There are reports that some people claiming to represent political parties are asking for money from contractors. They are also worried over the security of equipment and workers," said a source.

As the repair is delayed, thousands of commuters along NH10 face hardships.

The Gorkha Janmukti Morcha said if anybody was found harassing contractors, he/she should face legal action.

"Ever since we have assumed leadership in the party, we are trying to bring about changes. Anybody involved in activities like harassing contractors, whether from our party or other, his name should be made public and proper steps should be taken against him," said Satish Pokhrel, a vice-president of the Morcha.

"Simultaneously, we would urge officials to ensure that appropriate quality is maintained when the road repair is taken up. Also, projects should be completed in stipulated time so that residents do not face inconveniences," he added.

Additional reporting by Vivek Chhetri in Darjeeling