$~41
*	IN  THE  HIGH  COURT  OF  DELHI  AT  NEW  DELHI
%							Date of Decision: 03.09.2026

#	CNR No. DLHC010381212026 

+ 	O.M.P.(MISC.)(COMM.) 643/2026

	SRINAGAR BANIHAL EXPRESSWAY LIMITED.....Petitioner
Through:	Ms. Tanya Tiwari and Ms. Pragya Chauhan, Advs.
				versus

	NATIONAL HIGHWAYS AUTHORITY OF INDIA .....Respondent
Through:	Ms. Aagam Kaur and Mr. Siddharth Garg, Advs.
	CORAM:
	HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE SACHIN DATTA
				
SACHIN DATTA, J. (ORAL)

1. The present petition has been filed under Section 29A of the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996 seeking extension of the mandate of the Arbitral Tribunal for making of the arbitral award.
2. The Arbitral Tribunal was constituted on 02.07.2024 for adjudication of disputes between the parties that have arisen pursuant to a Concession Agreement dated 28.10.2010 for the Rehabilitation, Strengthening and Four Laning of Srinagar to Banihal section from Km 187.000 to Km 189.350 (Banihal Bypass) and Km 220.700 to Km 286.110 to NH 1-A in the State of Jammu & Kashmir on Design, Build, Finance, Operate and Transfer (“DBFOT”) Annuity basis, comprising approximately 67.760 Km.
3. It is pointed out that the arbitral proceedings are at an advanced stage, and only final arguments remain to be addressed before the arbitral tribunal.
4. It is requested by the learned counsel for the petitioner that, considering the voluminous nature of the arbitration, an appropriate extension of time be granted for completion of the arbitral proceedings and making of arbitral award.
5. Issue notice.
6. Learned counsel, as aforesaid, accepts notice on behalf of the respondent. She submits that she shall be filed her vakalatnama during the course of hearing.
7. Learned counsel for the respondent opposes the present petition. She submits that there has been an inordinate delay in the conduct of the arbitral proceedings which could have been avoided. Learned counsel, accordingly opposes the grant of any further extension of time for completion of the arbitral proceedings.
8. Having considered the rival contentions of the parties, this Court finds no impediment in grant of an appropriate extension of time to complete the arbitral proceedings. 
9. Learned counsel for the petitioner has rightly pointed out that the time period that has been consumed in the arbitral proceedings is largely attributable to the nature of the matter and the voluminous record. In any event, since the arbitral proceedings are at an advanced stage, the interest of justice demands that the adjudication be taken to its logical conclusion. 
10. In the circumstances, the time period for completion of arbitral proceedings and making of the arbitral award is extended till 31.03.2027.
11. The petition is allowed in the above terms.
12. The parties are directed to cooperate with the arbitral tribunal to ensure that the proceedings are not protracted.

SEPTEMBER 3, 2026/cl 				SACHIN DATTA, J
									


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