The Newz Radar
CHAMBA: The Public Works Department’s Chamba division in Himachal Pradesh is adopting a stringent approach towards contractors failing to complete development projects within the stipulated timeframe. In a recent development, the department slapped a hefty penalty of Rs 48 lakh on the contractor who has delayed the construction of the 8-km Parotha-Sara road project by nearly two years.
The construction project, amounting to approximately Rs 4.80 crore, was slated for completion in February 2022. However, the contractor has managed to complete only 24 per cent of the work, prompting the imposition of the penalty. The department is also considering the cancellation of the contract awarded to the contractor.
Notices have also been issued to two other contractors for their failure to meet project deadlines.
The Executive Engineer of the PWD division in Chamba, Rajeev Sharma, said that the contractors assigned the task of paving 2.8 km of Drabla link road and 2.2 km of Kurena link road were supposed to complete their work by December 2023. However, they failed to meet the deadline, leading to the issuance of show-cause notices.
“If these contractors do not respond to the notice within the stipulated time or their response is not found satisfactory, then the department will take further action and impose a fine on them,” said Rajeev Sharma.
The Executive Engineer emphasised that strict action was being taken against those flouting the norms in the tender process for development projects. “The recent measures against the three contractors serve as a stern warning, indicating the department’s commitment to ensuring timely and efficient completion of development works in the region. Contractors failing to provide satisfactory responses within the stipulated time frame may face further penalties and actions by the department,” said an official.
