Slow pace of NH construction irks residents

The sluggish pace of construction on National Highway 3, between Hamirpur and Sameerpur, has severely disrupted the lives of locals, leaving them feeling neglected and frustrated for over two and a half years. Despite repeated complaints to National Highway authorities, the construction company, local MLA, and former Union Minister Anurag Thakur, no significant progress has been made.

Ironically, the highway connects to Sameerpur, the native village of Anurag Thakur, who has consistently instructed authorities to expedite the project. However, it appears that neither the NH authorities nor the construction company have acted on these directions. Appeals from the local MLA and Panchayati Raj representatives have also failed to yield results.

The condition of the highway has gone from bad to worse. Recent rains have exacerbated the situation, covering the stretch with mud and creating hazardous driving conditions. During summer, houses along the route are enveloped in dust, while the rainy season turns the area into a muddy nightmare.

Villagers from Kot, Thana, Darkoti, Tauni Devi Bazaar, Bari Mandir, Kolhu Siddh, Barada, Panjot, Sameerpur, and Avahadevi bypass expressed their frustration. Residents such as Deshraj, Bhoomi Raj, and Daljit lamented the daily difficulties caused by incomplete road sections and unsafe driving conditions. The stretches near Bari Mandir and Kolhu Siddh have become especially perilous for heavy vehicles.

The construction of the 40-km section was awarded to Gawar Construction Company under the Green Highway Corridor Project, with loan assistance from the World Bank. The project, valued at Rs 223.27 crore, began on June 22, 2022, and was scheduled for completion by December 20, 2024, with the company obligated to maintain the road for five years. However, delays caused by the slow pace of Surya Construction, subcontracted for the work, have led to mounting concerns among residents.

NHAI site engineer Sushil Kumar acknowledged the delays and stated that the construction company has been directed to expedite the work, with dangerous points on the highway to be addressed on a priority basis. Shrikant, a supervisor from the construction company, assured that improvements in the Tauni Devi, Bari Mandir, and Barada sections would be made soon.

As the situation persists, residents demand urgent action to complete the highway and alleviate the hardships they have endured for years.