Assam: Lumding–Silchar stretch of NH-27 remains incomplete; drivers flag tunnel damage and safety risks

Serious concerns have been raised over the condition of the Lumding–Silchar stretch of National Highway 27, particularly between Lumding and Maibang in Assam’s Dima Hasao district, with drivers alleging that the road has become unsafe due to prolonged construction delays and poor maintenance.

 

The four-lane expansion under the East–West Corridor project between Silchar and Lumding has been underway for over two decades. Despite this, several portions remain incomplete, according to regular users of the highway.

 

Truck drivers have pointed to severe damage inside the 1.8-kilometre tunnel near Mybang peak. Portions of the road surface inside the tunnel are reportedly broken, with water accumulation turning sections into what drivers describe as a “canal”. They further allege that the lighting inside the tunnel is non-functional, increasing the risk of accidents.

 

A truck driver, who said he has been operating on the route for over 15 years, claimed that construction between Lumding and Bandarkhal is far from complete. He added that the stretch between Jatinga and Bandarkhal has remained in poor condition for years. The driver regularly transports goods between Guwahati, Haflong, Silchar and Agartala.

 

Another driver travelling from Guwahati said the highway up to Lumding is in good condition, but large potholes appear along the stretch towards the Dima Hasao district. He also raised concerns about the tunnel section between Maibang and Mahur, stating that damaged road surfaces and a lack of lighting pose safety hazards.

 

Drivers further alleged that Rs 560 is collected as toll from 16-wheeler vehicles at a toll gate above Lumding, despite incomplete construction. They also claimed that basic amenities such as drinking water and toilets are not available at the toll plaza.

 

The tunnel repair work at Mybang peak was reportedly assigned to construction firm DC Ajmera in August 2024. However, drivers allege that the damaged stretch inside the tunnel remains unrepaired. There are also allegations that the firm subcontracted the work to another Guwahati-based company.

 

Drivers have compared the progress of the four-lane expansion in neighbouring states such as Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh, claiming that work in those areas has advanced more quickly than in the Dima Hasao section.

 

Motorists have urged the authorities to expedite repairs and complete the pending construction to prevent accidents and reduce disruptions along this key transport corridor.