Mandi: Contractors working on the strategically significant Kiratpur-Manali Four-Lane Project’s Pandoh Bypass Takoli section are set to stage a protest on Wednesday. The protest comes in response to delayed payments from Shapoorji Pallonji and Afcons companies, despite repeated assurances.
Letter Submitted to NHAI Project Director
On Monday, a group of contractors, including Anil, Mahesh, Rohit, Devendra Kumar, and Anand Kumar, met with Varun Chari, the Project Director of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI). During the meeting, they submitted a letter outlining their intention to protest. Copies of the letter were also sent to the Deputy Commissioner (DC) of Mandi and the Superintendent of Police (SP) of Mandi.
Payments Still Pending After a Week’s Assurance
The contractors have expressed frustration over the lack of action from Shapoorji Pallonji and Afcons, who promised to clear their dues within a week. “More than a week has passed since our last meeting, and there has been no progress on the payments,” said one of the contractors.
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NHAI’s Role and Contractor Frustrations
NHAI had earlier directed both companies to hold meetings with the contractors to resolve the issue, but no such meetings have taken place. Over 50 contractors are awaiting payments totaling more than Rs. 50 crore. The prolonged delay has been attributed to an internal conflict between the two companies, leaving the contractors in a difficult position.
Deadline Set for Payment Clearance
The contractors have set a deadline for September 3 for all outstanding payments to be made. If payments are not received by this date, they plan to protest outside the offices of NHAI, Shapoorji Pallonji, and Afcons on Wednesday.
Protest to Continue Until Demands Are Met
The contractors have stated clearly that if any incidents occur during the protest, the responsibility will lie with the management of the companies and NHAI. They have been awaiting payment for over eight months, and the four-lane project has been stalled for three months due to these unpaid bills.
Written Instructions Issued to Companies
When contacted, NHAI Project Director Varun Chari confirmed that written instructions have been issued to Shapoorji Pallonji and Afcons to resolve the payment issue. “Since these contractors are not directly linked with NHAI, the responsibility for payment lies with the companies. We have asked the management to find a permanent solution,” Chari said.
The contractors remain firm in their stance and have indicated that the protest will continue until their demands are met.
