Assam: Massive sinkhole appears on newly renovated road in Nagaon, corruption allegations surface

A large sinkhole-like cavity has emerged on a recently renovated road in Assam's Nagaon district, triggering allegations of substandard construction and irregularities in the execution of a government-funded infrastructure project.

The road, connecting Diphalu and Borma under the Public Works Department (PWD), was renovated just three months ago under the Chief Minister's Road Renewal Scheme. 

The project involved the repair and upgrading of a 2.659-km stretch between Karhali and Halowa villages in Puranigudam at a reported cost of over Rs 68 lakh.

Residents alleged that the road was reconstructed in haste by the construction company and that poor-quality work has resulted in the formation of a massive tunnel-like crater, measuring nearly seven to eight feet in length, at Halowa village.

The sudden appearance of the cavity has caused inconvenience to commuters and raised fears of a major accident, particularly as the road is used regularly by local residents.

Locals have questioned the quality of the work carried out under the project and alleged that public funds meant for road improvement may have been misused. Some residents also claimed that certain portions of the road were repaired at widths narrower than those specified in the project plan.

Concerned over public safety, villagers have reportedly installed bamboo barricades around the damaged section to warn motorists and prevent accidents.

The incident has prompted demands for an inquiry into the quality of construction and the role of the contractor and concerned officials. 

Residents have urged the authorities to immediately repair the damaged stretch and investigate the alleged irregularities in the implementation of the project.

No official response from the Public Works Department had been received at the time of filing this report.