Commuters in Unakoti district of Tripura are facing mounting risks on the Assam-Agartala National Highway, where large potholes between Pecharthal and Nabincherra have disrupted traffic and damaged vehicles. Drivers say the deteriorating stretch has remained a serious problem for more than six months, with monsoon rains worsening the situation.
At A Glance:
- The Pecharthal-Nabincherra stretch of the Assam-Agartala National Highway has developed large potholes filled with rainwater and mud.
- Drivers report vehicle damage, traffic disruptions and difficulties in transporting patients during heavy rain.
- Commuters are demanding durable repairs and questioning the quality and effectiveness of repeated maintenance work.
The Assam-Agartala National Highway, regarded as one of Tripura’s key road links, has developed several dangerous stretches between Pecharthal and Nabincherra in Kumarghat subdivision. Large potholes, standing water and mud have made the road difficult to negotiate.
The damaged stretch has affected vehicle movement and created hardship for passengers and pedestrians. Drivers say they are forced to travel through the potholes every day, increasing the risk of accidents and vehicle breakdowns.
Large Potholes Turn Highway Into Hazard
The highway carries a steady flow of small and heavy vehicles every day. It serves as an important route for commuters, commercial transport and emergency travel.
However, several portions of the road now have deep potholes. During the rainy season, water collects inside them and covers their depth. This makes it difficult for drivers to judge the condition of the road.
Vehicles attempting to cross the damaged portions often slow down sharply. Some reportedly get stuck in the potholes. Others suffer damage to tyres and mechanical components.
Drivers say the problem has continued for months. They have also questioned why a major highway remains in such poor condition despite its importance to the state’s road network.
Monsoon Worsens Commuters’ Problems
Toto driver Anupam Chakma said the road has remained in poor condition for more than six months.
According to him, driving becomes particularly difficult when it rains. In some portions, vehicle movement almost comes to a halt.
Chakma also highlighted the difficulties faced while transporting patients. He said taking patients to hospitals becomes a major challenge when vehicles encounter the damaged stretches.
Drivers often have to remain in queues for extended periods. The poor road surface slows down traffic and makes every journey more difficult.
For passengers, the problem goes beyond delays. Travelling through water-filled potholes also raises concerns over safety, particularly during heavy rainfall and poor visibility.
Vehicle Damage Adds to Drivers’ Burden
Another Toto driver, Gautam Namo, said vehicles frequently become trapped in the large potholes.
He said repeated movement over the damaged road is also causing damage to vehicle parts. Drivers then have to spend additional money on repairs and replacement components.
The financial impact is significant for drivers who depend on their vehicles for their daily income. A breakdown or prolonged repair can directly affect their earnings.
Namo also alleged that repair work is sometimes carried out on the highway but fails to provide a lasting solution.
According to him, portions of the road are repaired from time to time, but the same problems return soon after. Drivers therefore want durable roadwork rather than temporary patching.
Drivers Demand Immediate Road Repairs
Toto driver Jamal Uddin has demanded urgent intervention to restore the highway.
He said drivers face serious difficulties while travelling through the damaged portions and cannot continue taking such risks.
The drivers have also raised questions over the quality of maintenance work. They alleged that occasional repairs do not adequately address the underlying condition of the road.
Residents and commuters have called for proper assessment of the damaged stretches and durable repairs that can withstand regular traffic and monsoon conditions.
Allegations Over Repair Quality
The condition of the highway has also triggered allegations of irregularities in repair activities.
Some local residents have alleged that private companies from outside Tripura and sections of local contractors are involved in repeated repair work that does not provide a permanent solution.
These allegations have added to public dissatisfaction over the condition of the highway. Commuters want greater attention to the quality and durability of road repairs.
The allegations, however, remain claims made by affected residents and drivers.
Questions Over Government Response
The prolonged deterioration of the highway has also led to criticism of both the state and Central governments.
Residents have questioned the lack of a permanent solution despite the road’s importance as a major route in Tripura.
For commuters, the issue is primarily one of safety and basic connectivity. They want the damaged sections restored before the condition worsens further.
The Assam-Agartala National Highway is a crucial route for daily movement across the state. Continued deterioration can affect passenger transport, commercial traffic and emergency journeys.
The situation has also become a political issue, with critics using the condition of the highway to question the development claims of the BJP-led alliance government.
For drivers and ordinary commuters, however, the immediate demand remains clear. They want the potholes repaired, traffic made safer and the highway restored to a condition suitable for regular movement.
With no official reaction available till the report filing, it remains to be seen if concerned authorities step in and address the issue.