Meanwhile, stretch he was working on remains grounded

A full year after Satyendra Dubey’s murder, the GQ stretch, where he worked, continues to languish. And the delays are both because of ...

A full year after Satyendra Dubey’s murder, the GQ stretch, where he worked, continues to languish. And the delays are both because of lawlessness and the presence of the law.

A 60-km stretch between Aurangabad and Barachatti has achieved 27 percent progress against the targeted 80 percent. It’s no better on the 78.75-km section, connecting Gorhar and Barwa Adda, where 32 percent of the job has been completed against the targeted 80 percent.

Just before Dubey’s murder, exactly a year ago, the progress in both sections was one-fourth the target.

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Both projects are scheduled for completion by March 2005 but sources said they may take three more years because of CBI and CVC enquiries, and bad law and order situation.

‘‘The progress is very slow. No decision is being taken because of fear of inquiries,’’ sources said. The presence of CBI, stationed at the project site for more than six months, is also intimidating officials.

Sources said the meagre NHAI staff there spent more time answering questions by the probe team. ‘‘One has to make replies and send files for the CBI,’’ they said.

Add to that the perpetual lawlessness. ‘‘The Project Implementation Unit had to be moved to Dhanbad from Koderma to ensure the safety of NHAI officials.’’

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Project workers leave the site before closing time to reach home before darkness. Project managers, borrowed from other organisations, quit for their parent outfit at the slightest hint of danger.

The World Bank-funded section on the Golden Quadrilateral connecting Delhi with Kolkata started work in September 2001 and is scheduled for completion in March 2005.