Shribhoomi: The poor condition of about four kilometers of road in Loirpoa area of Hathikhira-Churaibadi NH-8 under Loirpoa block of Patharkandi assembly constituency of Sribhoomi district has raised serious questions on the quality of construction work. On this part of the road which was repaired just six months ago, huge potholes have formed at many places. The situation is so serious that a cargo truck had to be stopped by placing bamboo poles.
According to local people, about six months ago the work of repairing about four kilometers of the road was entrusted to GB Construction. But before the completion of six months, the road again fell into disrepair. The road condition has become more dire after continuous rains. Drivers have to take risks while traveling through potholes.
Hathikhira-Churaibari NH-8 is an important route connecting Assam and Tripura. A large number of small and big vehicles along with goods trucks move through this route every day. The poor condition of the roads is directly impacting the local people, commuters, school and college students and emergency services. Even the ambulance is having difficulty passing through this dilapidated road.
Bypass closed, increased pressure on main road
According to local sources, the construction of the bypass road near this route had already been completed and vehicular movement was also allowed on it for some time. However, for the last one year, the bypass has been temporarily closed due to the construction of new culvert and overbridge. Due to this, additional pressure of all traffic including heavy vehicles is falling on the main NH-8.
Local people say that when the National Highway is built for the movement of both light and heavy vehicles, then how the road reached such a condition within just six months of repair is a matter of investigation. People have demanded investigation into the quality of materials and work used in road construction.
Questions also raised regarding overloaded vehicles
According to sources, questions have also been raised by GB Construction on the role of NHIDCL, the agency responsible for the construction of four lanes. The company has reportedly said that the pressure on the road is increasing due to the movement of overloaded vehicles on the road. On the other hand, questions are also being raised on the arrangement of allowing heavy vehicles to pass through the main NH-8 by keeping the bypass closed.
Local people allege that due to lack of coordination between the construction and related agencies, the common people and motorists are having to bear the brunt. People have demanded immediate intervention from the CO, District Administration, NHIDCL and Minister Krishnendu Pal to repair the road, smoothen the traffic system and find a permanent solution to the problem. Local people say that if the road is not repaired in time and proper arrangements are not made for the movement of heavy vehicles, then the possibility of a major accident on this route cannot be ruled out in the coming days.