Gangtok, Feb 7: Union Minister of State for Road Transport & Highways and Corporate Affairs, Harsh Malhotra, chaired a project review meeting of National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd. (NHIDCL) projects at a local hotel in Gangtok on Saturday. The meeting was organised by NHIDCL’s Regional Office, Gangtok.

During the session, senior officials including NHIDCL Executive Director (Technical) Ashok Kumar Saha, Sikkim’s Principal Chief Engineer of Roads and Bridges Department Basant Kumar Tamang, Chief Engineer (NH) Binod Adhikari, Additional Chief Engineer (NH) Sonam Dadul, Superintending Engineer (NH) Kalka Rai, and NHIDCL Regional Office Executive Director (Projects) Siliguri, Mayur Sindekar, presented project-wise progress reports.

Addressing the meeting, Minister Malhotra reviewed the status of ongoing NHIDCL projects and works executed by the Roads and Bridges Department. He assessed physical and financial progress, sought explanations for delays in certain stretches, and directed agencies to resolve land, utility, and coordination-related issues within the stipulated timelines.

Highlighting the challenges of road projects in hilly and border areas, the minister stressed the need for strict adherence to safety norms and precautionary measures at construction sites. He further emphasised close coordination between NHIDCL, the State Government, and executing agencies to ensure timely completion while maintaining quality standards.

The meeting was attended by senior NHIDCL officers, officials from the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways, Sikkim government officials, representatives of executing agencies, and other stakeholders.