Agartala, July 20: Tripura Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha has assured that repair work on the state’s crumbling National Highway network will begin soon, following an assessment by a central government team. His remarks come amid growing public anger over the deteriorating road conditions that have left the state nearly isolated.
After inspecting several Agartala localities including Gangail Road, Melarmath, Office Lane, Joynagar Pukur, and Dashami Ghat, Dr. Saha reviewed development work and assessed resident concerns.
The situation is most severe along the Churaibari–Agartala highway, particularly through the Longtharai and Atharamura hill ranges, where landslides triggered by relentless rain have rendered the roads nearly impassable. Blocked with debris and mud, these vital routes have brought transport to a halt.
Commuters and transporters voiced frustration over the slow response and poor maintenance. A truck driver stranded near Atharamura stated, “This isn’t just inconvenience—it’s isolation.”
Other key routes, including the Kamalpur–Agartala road via Khowai and stretches through the Jampui Hills, are also in poor shape despite being newly built under national highway projects. Locals allege substandard construction and inadequate safety measures, including the lack of basic signboards and contractor information at work sites.
Adding to the discontent is the absence of any formal grievance redressal system, leaving citizens without a clear channel to report infrastructure failures or receive updates.
Dr. Saha’s assurances come at a time when public trust in highway construction is waning. Citizens are now calling for audits of recent and ongoing projects, stricter NHAI oversight, and accountability from contractors.
As Tripura struggles with logistical breakdown and poor infrastructure, swift action is needed to reconnect the state and restore public confidence in development efforts.