Reported by Laxman sharma
Digboi: A government inquiry has identified construction deficiencies, use of substandard materials, and lapses in execution in Assam’s Rs 130.41-crore Digboi-Pengree-Bordumsa-Mohong Chariali Road project under Asom Mala 2.0.
The inquiry team, led by Co-District Commissioner of Digboi Phyllis VLH Hrangchal, submitted its report following inspections conducted on May 11 and 14.
The report recommends reconstruction of several sections of the road, culverts, and drainage structures, stating that repairs alone would not address the identified defects.
The findings come as work on the 40-km road corridor has remained suspended since April 13 due to a dispute among project stakeholders. Officials have cautioned that prolonged delays could lead to public inconvenience and law-and-order concerns.
The project involves widening the road from 5.5 metres to seven metres, constructing 84 RCC box culverts, building 6.6 km of drainage infrastructure, and installing road safety measures.
Although physical progress is reported to be around 60 per cent, inspectors found several sections that did not meet approved specifications.
Core samples collected from the road showed that the thickness of bituminous and non-bituminous layers at several locations was below prescribed standards. Inspectors also found excessive fine aggregates in some sections, which could affect the durability of the pavement.
The inquiry report further highlighted deficiencies in RCC box culverts, including issues related to concrete composition and reinforcement materials. It noted that the use of materials not conforming to specifications could affect the structural stability of the culverts.
Inspectors also reported defects in drainage structures, including poor alignment, uneven flooring, and honeycombing in concrete works. Mandatory weep holes were found missing in inspected sections, raising concerns about drainage performance during heavy rainfall.
According to the report, several of these deficiencies had previously been flagged by the third-party quality monitoring consultancy through Monthly Progress Reports and official communications. However, the issues reportedly remained unresolved.
The inquiry also examined the status of paver blocks removed during road widening. Records show that 9,86,700 paver blocks were originally laid over 25,300 square metres.
The report states that nearly 40 per cent were damaged during dismantling, around four lakh were reported stolen and an FIR was registered at Digboi Police Station.
It further noted that about 82,000 blocks were used in various projects, around 28,000 remain in departmental custody, and 80,000 are yet to be dismantled.
The report noted an ongoing dispute involving contractor representatives and complainants. It referred to allegations and counter-allegations submitted to various government agencies and reported that a confrontation occurred during the official inspection on May 14.
The inquiry has recommended that law enforcement authorities examine allegations of threats, intimidation, and assault made by both sides and take action as per legal procedures.
It has also recommended fixing responsibility for poor workmanship and the alleged use of substandard materials. The report further suggested transferring officials associated with the project to strengthen public confidence in the monitoring process.
Among its key recommendations, the inquiry called for dismantling and reconstructing all deficient stretches up to the sub-grade level in accordance with approved specifications. Defective drains and culverts have also been recommended for complete reconstruction.
The report further advised comprehensive testing across the entire project corridor using advanced equipment to determine the extent of deficiencies. It also recommended enhanced supervision, proper barricading, warning systems, and safety signage before work resumes.
The road project serves as a key connectivity corridor for residents of Digboi, Pengree, Bordumsa, and nearby areas, linking villages with schools, markets, hospitals, and government offices.
The inquiry report stated that failure to address the deficiencies could lead to increased maintenance costs, reduced road lifespan, and safety risks in the future.