Aizawl : The Gauhati High Court has sought a clear, time-bound execution plan from a highway contractor engaged in repairing critical stretches of the Aizawl-Silchar route, raising concerns over delays and incomplete work on the vital corridor.

Hearing a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by the Mizoram Truck Drivers’ Association, a division bench comprising Justice Michael Zothankhuma and Justice Nelson Sailo directed Haryana-based J Infratech Limited to submit an affidavit outlining how it plans to complete the remaining 65 per cent of the project within the stipulated timeline.

The contractor, working under the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd, is responsible for repair works across several key stretches, including Sairang Zero Point to Buichali Bridge, New Khamrang to Kawnpui, and Kolasib to Bilkhawthlir. The highway serves as a crucial surface lifeline for Mizoram, making delays a matter of significant public concern.

The PIL, filed by MTDA general secretary Lalhmudika Tochhawng, flagged the slow pace of work and its adverse impact on transporters and daily commuters using the route.

During the hearing, the bench also directed NHIDCL to file, within two weeks, a detailed affidavit explaining the monitoring and inspection mechanisms in place to supervise the contractor’s work. The agency has further been asked to clarify whether limestone rocks are being used in the construction process.

In parallel, J Infratech Limited has been instructed to submit its own affidavit addressing the progress and execution plan. Although the company has indicated a target of completing the project by April 2026, only about 35 per cent of the work has been completed so far, prompting judicial scrutiny.