The poor condition of the National Highway near Churaibari in the North Tripura on the state border with Assam has raised fresh concerns as construction work under the Bharatmala project is expected to begin in the area. Deep potholes, mud and waterlogging are already making travel difficult, while heavy vehicles continue to use the damaged stretch.
3 Key Takeaways
- The Churaibari National Highway has developed deep potholes and muddy stretches during the monsoon.
- Heavy vehicle movement is adding pressure to an already damaged road.
- Drivers fear Bharatmala-related construction traffic could further worsen the highway unless repairs are undertaken first.
Churaibari, August 11: The condition of the National Highway near Churaibari has become a growing concern for motorists and local residents. The road has deteriorated sharply during the ongoing monsoon.
Large potholes now cover several stretches of the highway. Rainwater has filled many of them. Mud and loose stones have made the surface even more difficult to negotiate.
The situation is particularly worrying near Churaibari Police Station. A large pothole has developed in front of the police station. Vehicles have to pass through the damaged stretch throughout the day.
Police vehicles, motorcycles, passenger cars and goods trucks all use the road. The poor surface increases the risk of accidents, particularly during heavy rain.
The latest concern comes ahead of construction work linked to the Bharatmala project. The highway is expected to see additional movement of construction vehicles once the work begins.
Local drivers fear that the existing road may not be able to withstand the additional pressure.
Heavy traffic adds pressure on damaged road
The Churaibari stretch witnesses regular movement of heavy vehicles. More than a hundred heavy vehicles reportedly use the road every day.
Goods-laden trucks form a significant part of the traffic. Stone-carrying trucks also operate along the route.
Drivers allege that the repeated movement of heavy and overloaded vehicles has contributed to the deterioration of the highway. The road has gradually developed cracks and deep potholes.
The monsoon has made the situation worse.
Water collects inside the potholes. This makes it difficult for drivers to judge their depth. Two-wheelers face an even greater risk because loose mud and uneven surfaces can cause vehicles to skid.
Small passenger vehicles are also struggling to move through the damaged sections.
Road reportedly deteriorated soon after completion
According to local drivers, the highway had undergone construction and improvement work around one-and-a-half years ago.
However, they claim that damage started appearing within about two months of the work being completed.
Since then, the condition of several sections has continued to deteriorate. Regular rainfall and heavy traffic have further weakened the road surface.
The current situation has raised questions about the durability of the road and the effectiveness of maintenance measures.
Drivers also complain that repairs have not kept pace with the deterioration.
They want the authorities to address the damaged stretches before the road faces additional construction-related traffic.
Bharatmala work could increase traffic pressure
The proposed Bharatmala-related construction has added a new dimension to the issue.
Construction projects generally require the movement of heavy machinery, materials and transport vehicles. If such traffic increases on the Churaibari route, motorists fear that the already damaged road could deteriorate further.
The concern is particularly significant because the highway serves as an important road link between Tripura and Assam.
Any prolonged deterioration could affect the movement of passengers and goods.
Local residents and drivers therefore want the existing road condition to be assessed before major construction activity begins.
They believe basic repairs and proper drainage should receive immediate attention.
Monsoon exposes road safety concerns
The current road condition has also highlighted the need for better drainage along the highway.
Rainwater remains trapped in several damaged sections. Mud covers portions of the road. The combination creates hazardous driving conditions.
For bikers, the risk is especially high. Hidden potholes can cause sudden loss of balance. Heavy vehicles passing through muddy sections can also splash water and mud onto nearby vehicles.
The situation becomes more difficult after dark when potholes are harder to identify.
Drivers say temporary repairs may provide short-term relief, but a durable solution is needed.
Calls for repairs before major construction
The growing concern among motorists is not limited to the present condition of the Churaibari highway. They are also looking ahead to the impact of upcoming infrastructure work.
Drivers and local residents want the authorities to repair the damaged portions before Bharatmala-related construction gathers pace.
They fear that ignoring the current problem could result in a cycle of repeated damage and temporary repairs.
For now, the pothole-ridden road continues to carry heavy traffic every day.
With the monsoon still affecting the region, motorists say immediate intervention is necessary to prevent further deterioration and reduce the risk of accidents on the Churaibari stretch. (With inputs from local media person, Rajkumar Das)
