JNC writes to Shillong MP on delay in NH-6 construction
Flags other issues like contractor's negligence, absence of drainage system, substandard construction
Shillong, Oct 7: The Jaintia National Council (JNC) has written to Lok Sabha MP Ricky Syngkon about the delay in the repair and maintenance of NH-6, which passes through Assam, Meghalaya and Mizoram.
In its memorandum to Syngkon, JNC said the National Highways Authority of India could not meet the deadline of August 2025 as set by the Meghalaya High Court.
“The prolonged delay, despite the absence of any major geographical challenges in stretches such as Wahiajer to Jowai, has caused severe inconvenience to commuters,” JNC wrote in its memorandum, and blamed administrative inefficiency and poor project management for the delay.
The project is being executed by Purbanchal Buildtech Pvt. Ltd. (Jowai Bypass to Wahiajer) and Dhar Construction Company Ltd. (Wahiajer to Ratacherra). JNC said Purbanchal “has displayed gross negligence, repeated delays and substandard construction”.
Also, the newly constructed NH-6 is narrower than the old highway, leading to traffic bottlenecks across multiple sections, the council said.
“This poor design choice restricts future expansion and poses serious safety risks,” it added.
Among other issues, JNC pointed out that the ongoing work has employed concrete cement pavement, a material unsuitable for the high rainfall and hilly terrain characteristic of the Jaiñtia Hills. There is also an absence of a proper drainage system.
“NH-6 is a lifeline for the Jaiñtia Hills region, linking us with the rest of the state and the country… A safe, durable, and efficient highway is not only a developmental necessity but also a matter of public rights and justice,” JNC wrote.
Last year, Syngkon urged the Centre to restore NH-6 and submitted a memorandum in this regard.
