Guwahati : A 25-km stretch between Jatinga and Harangajao is likely to be partially opened to traffic by June as a two-lane road, offering limited relief to commuters despite delays in key infrastructure works, officials said.

According to the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), the project has missed its original deadline of January 31, 2026, primarily due to pending construction of two railway overbridges. Project Director Yogesh Rao said that while full commissioning remains delayed, authorities are preparing to allow restricted vehicular movement on two lanes in the coming weeks.

Concerns have also emerged over the condition of a 1.8-km tunnel near Maibong along National Highway 27, where sections of the road surface have deteriorated, raising safety issues for motorists.

Rao said a detailed assessment of the tunnel has been assigned to RITES Limited, which will recommend a long-term solution. Temporary repairs are currently underway, though progress has been slowed by monsoon conditions. Officials added that malfunctioning lighting and CCTV systems inside the tunnel will be restored to improve visibility and monitoring.

In a separate development, action has been initiated against a contractor responsible for maintenance of the Manderdisa-Nirim Bungalow stretch. The firm, awarded a seven-year contract in 2023, has reportedly failed to undertake maintenance work for the past 10 months.

Authorities have suspended payments to the contractor and warned of blacklisting in case of continued non-compliance. Officials said a fresh tender may be floated within 15 days to appoint a new agency if the situation is not resolved.