Tar Shortage Continues to Stall Road Construction Projects in Ghaziabad
Only a handful of the 85 approved road projects have progressed as contractors cite severe bitumen shortages and rising costs amid supply disruptions.
Road construction projects across the Ghaziabad Municipal Corporation area remain largely stalled due to an ongoing shortage of bitumen (tar), despite repeated assurances from civic authorities that work would begin without delay.
More than a month after the Municipal Commissioner directed contractors to start construction, little progress has been made on the ground. Of the 85 road projects approved by the corporation, fewer than 10 have been completed, while work on most roads has yet to begin.
Contractors have informed municipal officials that they are unable to secure adequate supplies of bitumen from manufacturers despite placing orders. They argue that construction cannot proceed without the essential material.
The crisis began several months ago when tensions in West Asia disrupted the supply chain for bitumen, causing prices to surge significantly. According to contractors, the cost of bitumen has increased by nearly two-and-a-half times, making it difficult to execute projects under existing contract rates.
As a result, many contractors have refused to begin work, citing financial losses. In response, the Municipal Commissioner requested the state government to introduce a compensation mechanism similar to that available to Public Works Department (PWD) contractors, allowing reimbursement for the increased cost of bitumen. However, no decision has been taken on the proposal so far.
During a meeting held on May 23, municipal officials instructed contractors to commence work immediately. However, contractors reiterated that the lack of bitumen supply remains the primary obstacle.
Dushyant Tyagi, President of the Contractors’ Association, stated that assurances alone would not resolve the issue. He urged the municipal corporation to compensate contractors for the increased material costs, emphasizing that continuing work under current conditions would lead to heavy losses.
Meanwhile, N.K. Chaudhary, Chief Engineer of the Municipal Corporation’s construction wing, said discussions with contractors are ongoing. He noted that work is being initiated wherever bitumen is available and expressed hope that the projects would be completed before the monsoon season intensifies.
The delay has raised concerns about infrastructure development and road maintenance in the city, particularly with the rainy season approaching.
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