HCC ‘fails’ to maintain highway, DM initiates criminal proceedings

The work of four-laning project from ‘Km 150 to 187’ was allotted to HCC under the conditions that the company also has to properly maintain the existing NHW, an official spokesman said.

District Magistrate Ramban, Muhammad Aijaz on Thursday initiated criminal proceedings against Hindustan Construction Company (HCC) for “failing” to properly maintain the Srinagar-Jammu highway from Ramban to Banihal, leading to various traffic accidents.

The work of four-lanning project from ‘Km 150 to 187’ was allotted to HCC under the conditions that the company also has to properly maintain the existing NHW, an official spokesman said.

“But even after warnings and rapid instructions, the company has not properly maintained the road. The stretch is in a dilapidated condition and is marred by potholes, choked drainage system, lack of crash barriers, broken patches, slippage etc. The condition has resulted in loss of lives and property due to traffic accidents.”

The ADC Ramban and ARTO Ramban have also reported about the worst condition of the NHW stretch at vulnerable locations like Marog, near battery Chashma, Ankoli fall, Digdole, Panthyal, Gangroo, Nachilana and Sherbibi where several accidents have occurred due to its shrinkage and non-maintenance.

In this regard a notice has been served to HCC for putting human life in danger due to careless and irresponsible working on the NHW stretch from Ramban to Banihal.

Exercising powers vested with him, the District Magistrate has directed the HCC to show cause for blatant disobedience of “Maintenance Clause” of the contract agreement and in the mean time a committee has also been constituted by him to quantify the repair cost of the NHW stretch from KM 150 to KM 187 which may be imposed as criminal liability on the company in case of occurrence of any untoward incident, the spokesman said.