Union Minister Nitin Gadkari assures former Tripura Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb of swift action to resolve delays, quality issues, and contractor underperformance in 13 ongoing National Highway projects, promising improved oversight and faster completion across Tripura’s key NH corridors.
Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari has formally assured that all ongoing National Highway development projects in Tripura are progressing according to national standards, and that corrective measures have already been initiated to tackle delays, quality concerns, and contractor inefficiencies. His assurance came in direct response to a detailed letter submitted by former Tripura Chief Minister and current Rajya Sabha MP Biplab Kumar Deb.
In his reply to Deb’s letter No. BKD/MP/2025/334, dated June 30, 2025, Gadkari confirmed that 13 National Highway projects are presently under execution in Tripura under the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL). Of these, six projects have experienced delays, triggered by a combination of land acquisition hurdles, local disturbances, force majeure conditions, and the under-performance of certain EPC (Engineering, Procurement and Construction) contractors.
Corrective Action Against Delays
Gadkari stated in the letter that the Ministry and NHIDCL have already begun taking strong corrective steps, which include termination or foreclosure of underperforming contracts and re-tendering of pending works. These measures aim to accelerate progress on stalled highway stretches. He added that project-wise detailed status reports have been attached to his communication for Deb’s review.
“NHIDCL is taking all necessary steps to ensure the early completion of delayed projects,” Gadkari wrote, emphasizing that streamlined monitoring and renewed contractor accountability are now in place.
Quality Assurance Measures Strengthened
The Union Minister further highlighted that all ongoing NH works in Tripura are being executed strictly in compliance with the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) standards, technical specifications, and IRC codes. To ensure high-quality construction and long-term durability, NHIDCL has deployed Authority’s Engineers and Special Project Monitors (SPMs) for continuous assessment.
Gadkari acknowledged recent concerns regarding potholes and road degradation, particularly visible during the monsoon season. He confirmed that rectification work is already underway on affected stretches.
To further investigate pavement performance and underlying structural distress on NH-108B and NH-208, NHIDCL has engaged the Central Road Research Institute (CRRI). The agency will analyse material quality, drainage issues, and other technical factors contributing to deteriorations.
Crackdown on Abnormally Low Bids
Addressing the long-standing issue of contractors securing highway projects through unrealistically low bids — a practice often linked to subsequent poor-quality output — Gadkari informed Deb that eligibility norms for EPC and HAM (Hybrid Annuity Model) contracts have been significantly strengthened.
He said a graded Additional Performance Bank Guarantee (PBG) mechanism has been introduced to discourage abnormally low bidding. Additionally, a contractor rating system based on quality performance metrics is being developed to ensure only reliable contractors secure major national highway works.
“This system will effectively address concerns related to unreasonable low bidding and the resulting quality issues in NH projects,” the minister stated.
Deb Welcomes Centre’s Swift Response
Reacting to Gadkari’s communication, Biplab Kumar Deb expressed deep appreciation through a public post on his official social media handle, accompanied by a photograph of the minister’s letter.
“For ensuring public convenience in Tripura, I extend my sincere thanks and gratitude to Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Shri Nitin Gadkari ji,” Deb wrote. He added that the Centre had recognised the urgency of issuing timely guidelines to NHIDCL and taking appropriate steps to accelerate the completion of the 13 ongoing NH projects in Tripura while ensuring uncompromising quality.
Deb acknowledged that NHIDCL has already taken necessary actions to fix delays and strengthen monitoring mechanisms. He noted that the corporation has appointed additional engineers and Special Project Monitors, and has associated CRRI to evaluate pavement irregularities and recommend long-term solutions.
The proactive exchange between Deb and Gadkari is expected to provide renewed momentum to Tripura’s ongoing highway upgrade programme. Faster completion of these projects is anticipated to enhance connectivity across the state, improve trade routes, and reduce travel times for thousands of daily commuters.
| Also Read: Surya Kant stresses equal Justice for all at Jharkhand Event |
With the Centre now tightening oversight and imposing stricter quality controls, Tripura’s key National Highway corridors could see faster progress and better construction standards in the coming months.
