The National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) said that the 5 km damaged portion of the National Highway 6 between Jowai and Ratacherra has been “comprehensively” repaired.
The NHAI said in his submission before the division bench of Chief Justice Indra Prasanna Mukerji and Justice Wanlura Diengdoh of the Meghalaya High Court today.
S Sengupta, the lawyer appearing for NHAI, told the High Court that substantial repair work in the rest of the 45 km stretch has also been undertaken, is continuing and it is likely to be completed within reasonable time.
“If the repair work has been carried out and to be further carried out in terms of the submission of Mr. S. Sengupta, then the entire highway having length of 102.225 km would become free from obstruction and freely negotiable, bringing great benefit to its users and to the State,” the court said.
The court therefore directed amicus curiae Suraj Panthi to inspect the entire highway and file a report on February 21.
The court also said that the State government should make all arrangements for the travel and stay, if necessary, of the amicus curiae and NHAI should pay a further remuneration of Rs.20, 000 on the same terms and conditions the earlier remuneration was paid.
The PIL will come up for hearing on February 24.
