PANAJI
The Bombay High Court at Goa has directed M/s M Venkata Rao Infra Projects to file a detailed affidavit concerning the progress of the Margao Western bypass even as the High Court observed that the contractor was focussed on “creating some case for arbitration, seeking some higher amount from the Government” instead of timely completion of the project.
“Usual excuses have been given by the Contractor, including the excuses which were considered on earlier occasions. The Contractor had assured this Court that the works would be completed, in all respects, by 31st December 2023 and now the Court is informed that there are still balance works, for which extension is necessary upto 30th September 2024. From the Contractor's application, we find that a foundation is being laid for further delays,” the High Court said.
Back in 2015, the High Court had taken suo motu cognizance of a news report in a local newspaper that highlighted how the project was stalled for more than a decade.
The High Court had directed the contractor to file an undertaking indicating when the project would be completed. The Court also accepted a statement from the state government that they will file a status report on the work.
