Apple season is about to begin and the condition of Theog-Rohru road is still deplorable. In the last 4 years apple growers has lost their profitable share to this road as dilapidated condition has delayed their crop to reach to the market. More then hundred people have lost their life in last few years and this year again it can disappoint resident of Jubbal-Rohru and other region in the apple season.
However, Govt is claiming overall development of the State, but condition of Theog-Rohru road forced us to think otherwise. Govt blames previous Congress Govt for the delay as they had not given necessary approval for the work and also hold Chinese firm Longijian Road and Construction Company responsible for it as they have failed to mobilize and accelerate the work.
After the much delay and fierce criticism from the people of region, now Govt has decided to issue a notice to the firm for the slow progress. It is also speculating that Chinese company’s contract can be cancelled. It is learned that government had asked the World Bank consultant to assess the work and submit its report so that a final decision could be taken on rescinding the Rs 354-crore project given to the Chinese company.
Though the task of construction of the roads was awarded to the Chinese company in June 2008, owing to strict visa restrictions imposed by the Ministry of External Affairs, majority of the Chinese workforce had to leave abruptly. Ever since the work has suffered and the firm has not been able expedite the work despite giving assurances that they would complete the project as per the extended dateline. A contract for the two roads of about 120-km was awarded under the World Bank-funded project, work on which began in June 2008 and was to be completed by November 2010.
