Agartala, July 27, 2025 – With Durga Puja—Tripura’s biggest festival—set to begin on September 29, the state government has directed the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd (NHIDCL) to expedite repair work on the Assam-Agartala National Highway, particularly the Kumarghat to Churaibari stretch, which has suffered significant damage during the ongoing monsoon.
The directive came after Public Works Department (PWD) Secretary Kiran Gitte, along with senior officials from NHIDCL and the State PWD, conducted a field inspection on Saturday to assess the condition of the highway in the Unakoti and North Tripura districts.
“On Saturday, I travelled more than 400 km, from Khowai to Kamalpur and Churaibari via Manu and Kumarghat. Several patches of the road, especially from Kumarghat to Churaibari, are in a dilapidated condition and need urgent attention,” Gitte said. “I have instructed NHIDCL to complete the repairs before Durga Puja and asked them to bring high-level officials to assess the ground situation themselves.”
The stretch under scrutiny is a crucial lifeline for Tripura, as it connects the state to Assam and other parts of the country. Monsoon-related damage has severely disrupted connectivity, prompting Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha to hold a high-level review meeting earlier this month. He ordered road repairs across the state, including national highways, to be taken up on a war footing.
Gitte also noted that roads maintained by the state PWD are currently in better shape compared to those handled by NHIDCL, which executes projects primarily through sub-contractors. “There is a visible difference in quality,” he remarked, urging accountability and timely action from NHIDCL.
Adding weight to the state’s concern, West Tripura MP and former Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb met Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari in New Delhi on July 23. Deb requested the Centre to dispatch a high-level inspection team to Tripura to assess road quality, identify lapses, and take strict measures if needed.
“Plans are underway to construct durable RCC roads in Tripura that can withstand heavy rains,” Deb wrote in a Facebook post following the meeting. “I have urged the Union Minister to send a team of senior officials for quality checks and to ensure accountability in road construction.”
With Durga Puja approaching, public expectations for better road conditions are high, especially with increased travel during the festive season. The state government hopes that urgent intervention and close monitoring will ensure safe and smooth transportation for citizens and visitors alike.
This initiative reflects the government’s commitment to infrastructure development and public convenience, with a focus on quality and durability ahead of Tripura’s most celebrated festival.
