Meghalaya orders probe into Rs 23 billion road project scam

22 Oct 2024 CW Team

The Meghalaya government has initiated a police investigation into a multi-billion scam involving state engineers and contractors linked to a major road construction project, officials confirmed on Monday. An FIR has named nine individuals, including senior government engineers and officials from two private companies based in Telangana and Haryana.

A senior Public Works Department (PWD) official revealed that "several lapses" led to the filing of the FIR regarding the project, valued at over Rs 23 billion. The road project, connecting Shillong to Tura via Nongstoin and Rongjeng, was initially sanctioned in 2010 under the Special Road Development Programme-North East.

The original contract, awarded for Rs 13.03 billion, underwent multiple revisions, inflating the project cost to Rs 23.66 billion. Although the project was scheduled for completion in 2014, delays and cost escalations prompted further scrutiny.

The FIR, filed by PWD (National Highways) Chief Engineer AM Kharmawphlang, is based on findings from ongoing arbitration proceedings conducted by an Arbitral Tribunal. The arbitration was initiated after the private companies sought revisions to the contract, which the department declined.

The FIR alleges that government engineers and contractors conspired to manipulate records and engage in fraudulent practices, resulting in significant financial losses to the public exchequer. "Officials and engineers, in collusion with contractors, have engaged in deceit and corruption," it stated, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive police investigation to uncover the full extent of the conspiracy.

A senior police officer confirmed that a case has been registered, and the investigation is underway. (ET)

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