NHAI projects in Naxal areas: Challenges are endless for contractors

The Maharashtra killing of 15 specially trained policemen in a Naxal attack earlier this week may have become a "normal" occurrence for some in the left wing extremist areas, but there are some unsung heroes who have to keep the journey going.

Creating infrastructure to break the naxal strongholds and bring development to these remote areas is perhaps even tougher than executing an encounter. Each time construction workers or managers are abducted or their vehicle and equipment is blown up, the highwaylength has to be walked all over again.
The total length of roads awarded in LWE areas across the country isjust 5416 km but these contracts are the toughest because privateinvestors want to keep away from these hot spots.
Challenges are endless for a contractor who has to manoeuver his way to execute a project in these areas.
“This area in Maharashtra is tough because it requires a lot of coordination between the executing agencies and the states where the project has been conceptualized,” said a senior official at the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI).
NHAI is not directly handling a lot of projects in the Naxal infested areas. There are state PWDs and other agencies that do these works. The risks are factored in before the detailed project planning stage or the detailed project report in technical parlance. Read More

Article Source -> Business Standard