₹16 Crore fine imposed on two contractors delaying work

Action by the Road Development Department

Mumbai – A fine of ₹16 crore has been imposed on two contractors for negligence in the Mumbai–Goa National Highway project. Despite repeated warnings, these contractors failed to complete the work within the stipulated time. Passengers have been unnecessarily inconvenienced due to this delay. Taking serious note of the delay, the Road Development Department has taken this action.

For the 39 kilometre stretch from Aravali to Kate, Rs 311 crore had been allocated to the company “HMPL.” For the 49 kilometre stretch from Kate to Waked, ₹519 crore had been allocated to the company “Eagle.” The two contractors have been fined ₹11 crore and ₹5 crore respectively.

Editorial Perspectives

• Why was regular monitoring not carried out while the work was ongoing ? The administration must answer this ! Is this not administrative negligence ?
• Along with recovering the fine, contractors who fail to complete work on time should be blacklisted.