Allegations of harassment have been raised against the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) for failing to pay dues to private parties who have completed work for the road construction body. One contractor, who provided services to NHAI, has been seeking the money owed to him for nearly five years.

Munindra Deka, a transporter, informed GPlus via email that he has written to NHAI, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, and Union Minister Nitin Gadkari but has yet to receive any assistance.

In his email, Deka stated that the outstanding amount, which was around Rs 3.2 million three to four months ago, has now risen to over Rs 4 million due to accumulated expenses and losses. He mentioned that this significant increase has worsened his financial difficulties.

Deka explained that the non-payment of rents has led to overdue Equated Monthly Instalments (EMIs), putting immense financial pressure on his family. He added that they are struggling to make ends meet, and the lack of response from the authorities has exacerbated their situation.

In a letter to the Chief Minister, a copy of which GPlus received via email, Deka wrote that he was bringing attention to the outstanding payment for the vehicles hired by the Office of the Superintendent of Police, Dima Hasao District, Haflong, under the arrangement with NHAI. He referred to his earlier email dated November 17, 2024, in which he highlighted the pending amount of Rs 3.2 million, which had been outstanding for a long period, causing considerable financial hardship for him and his family.

Deka also wrote to Rajya Sabha MP Bhubaneswar Kalita, who instructed the regional officer of NHAI to expedite the payment process. Additionally, Deka reached out to Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, but has yet to receive any support.

A senior NHAI official, speaking to GPlus, stated that the NHAI would not make the payment. The official explained that in a meeting between NHAI and the state government, it was decided that the state government would cover the bill for the hired vehicles. The official further clarified that from 2008 to 2022, the state government had provided security at various project sites in Dima Hasao district, and NHAI had reimbursed the costs for hiring patrolling vehicles and fuel. As the situation improved, the need for continuous patrolling vehicles at the Narimbanglo-Jatinga-Harangajao Project site was no longer required. Consequently, the state government was asked to direct the SP, Dima Hasao, to cease requesting NHAI to bear the costs for security vehicles, though support would still be provided when needed for the swift completion of the vital project. The official added that the Assam Chief Minister had assured that the issues would be resolved, with the state government agreeing to make the payment. The transporter was advised to approach the state government for the payment.

This is just one case among many, as several transporters continue to struggle to receive their payments.