Photo Courtesy: tripuratimes
Agartala: The Tripura High Court ordered the Union government to launch a formal investigation into potential corruption involving National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL). Judges demanded a report on the matter by December 1, 2026. This probe must determine if collusion between state officials and Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) contractors led to the use of inferior materials.
Chief Justice M.S. Ramachandra Rao and Justice Biswajit Palit issued the order following a suo motu public interest litigation triggered by reports of crumbling roads. The court noted that these projects often cost more than 5 crore per kilometer. If evidence of wrongdoing emerges, the government must pursue civil or criminal charges against the responsible parties.
The court stated: "In view of the facts and circumstances as evidenced by the material record in this case, the Union of India shall cause an inquiry to ascertain: (i) whether there was any corruption in the selection of contractors for laying of these Highways by NHIDCL? (ii) whether there is collusion between the NHIDCL officials and the EPC contractors because of which the EPC contractors had used substandard materials causing the road condition to deteriorate every year?"
Four specific sections face scrutiny: Mohanpur-Hezamara-Subalsingh and Subalsingh-Khowai on NH 108B, plus two NH 208 stretches covering Srirampur-Khowai and Srirampur-Manikbhandar-Bamanchara. Inspectors documented potholes, drainage failure, and deep pavement distress across these areas.
NHIDCL must submit bi-weekly progress reports on repair efforts. The Border Roads Organisation will conduct an independent audit of the completed work, with results due in a sealed cover by January 30, 2027. Despite a 5-year defect liability period, officials blamed heavy 2025 rainfall for the damage. The court pushed back on these excuses, citing a project on NH 108B that reached only 51.14 percent completion nearly a year past its original August 2025 deadline.
The bench expressed frustration with the state government, stating: "Coming to the instant PIL, we feel sorry for the citizens of the State whose lives and livelihoods are put at risk by the NHIDCL and it’s EPC Contractors and the inability of the State Government in improving things much." The case returns to court on September 22, 2026.
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