The road from Tezpur to Balipara (20 Km) in Assam is already double-laned and double laning of the stretch from Balipara to Tawang (317.52 Km) is under progress by Border Roads Organisation (BRO), said the Union Defence Minister AK Antony in the Lok Sabha recently. The probable date of completion of the road Balipara-Charduwar-Tawang to National Highway Double Lane (NHDL) specifications is March 2016, he added.
Out of total length of 317.52 Km from Balipara to Tawang, 88 Km length has been completed to NHDL specifications. Reasons for delay in completion include: Delay in forest/wildlife clearance and land acquisition. Restricted working period due to high altitude and adverse climate.
Damages caused due to prolonged monsoon leading to improper supply of stores. Available contractors not keen to work in far flung areas. Frequent local bandhs. Non availability of sufficient labour. Non approval of alignment of 03 Nos bye-passes at Bomdila, Dirang and Jung by local administration.
Following steps have been taken to expedite completion of works: Works have been commenced simultaneously in 22 stretches. Additional units (2 Task Forces and 3 Road Construction Companies) have been inducted. Additional heavy mechanical plants and equipment like 20 tonnes per hour capacity stone crushers, 30/20 tonne Hydraulic Excavators have been inducted.
Works on formation and surfacing have been outsourced in certain stretches. Pending forest and wildlife clearances are being monitored closely and an officer is specially detailed for this purpose.
Close monitoring of works is being done at all levels. Alternative all weather road via Orang-Kalaktang-Shergaon-Rupa-Tenga (OKSRT road) leading up to Tenga is under construction. Construction by an alternative road from Tawang to Guwahati via Bhutan has not been undertaken.
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.