Gauhati High Court Mandates Contractor to Escalate Manpower for Critical Mizoram Highway Repairs
The Gauhati High Court has issued a directive to Haryana-based contractor J Infratech Limited, compelling the firm to significantly augment its manpower and machinery for ongoing repair works on crucial sections of the Aizawl-Silchar Highway. This vital roadway is often described as "Mizoram's lifeline" due to its essential role in connecting the state and facilitating transportation and commerce.
Court Hearing Highlights Progress and Persistent Issues
A two-judge bench comprising Justice Budi Habung and Justice Kaushik Goswami delivered this order on Wednesday while adjudicating matters related to the repair of specific stretches: Sairang Zero Point to Buichali Bridge, New Khamrang to Kawnpui, and Kolasib to Bilkhawthlir. The bench acknowledged that, in compliance with a previous court order dated February 4, 2026, J Infratech Limited had filed an additional affidavit demonstrating some physical progress and an increase in the percentage of work completed over nearly two months.
Representing the contractor, counsel Anil Kumar informed the court that J Infratech had mobilized manpower and construction machinery at both project sites, asserting that this deployment was "substantially more with respect to the contractual provisions." He further submitted that concerted efforts were underway to accelerate execution and complete the project stretches at the earliest possible date.
Petitioner Raises Concerns Over Road Conditions
However, counsel for the petitioner, the Mizoram Truck Drivers Association, Emily L Chhangte, presented a contrasting view. After conducting a site visit and spot verification, she reported that the road construction remained in a dilapidated state. Chhangte warned that without urgent intervention, the road condition would deteriorate further with the onset of the monsoon season. She requested a week's time to file a detailed status report on the current situation.
Judicial Dissatisfaction and Directives
The judges expressed clear dissatisfaction with the pace of the repair works, noting that the target completion date is April 2026 and emphasizing the imminent arrival of the monsoon. The bench stated, "Unless the manpower and machineries are increased during this working season, with the onset of the monsoon the road condition will worsen." Granting the petitioner's request for time, the court allowed one week for filing the necessary affidavit.
Simultaneously, the bench issued a firm directive to the contractor to immediately enhance deployment. "In the meantime, we direct the respondent No. 12 to increase the manpower and machinery as may be required to complete the stretches of work on time. In this regard, the respondent No. 12 shall file an affidavit by 24th of March, 2026 showing the steps taken by them for increasing the manpower and machineries, failing which the concerned officer may have to be personally present on the next date," the bench ruled. The next hearing has been scheduled for March 25, 2026.
This judicial intervention underscores the critical importance of timely infrastructure maintenance in Mizoram, particularly for a highway that serves as a primary artery for economic and social connectivity. The court's proactive stance aims to ensure that repairs are expedited to prevent further degradation and safeguard the region's transportation network ahead of challenging weather conditions.
