Assam: Sribhumi locals slam poor quality highway repairs despite minister’s intervention

Even as heavy rains lashed the region overnight, repair works on National Highway 37 continued in full swing. The project, carried out under the directives of Minister Krishnendu Pal and supervised by the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL), has, however, drawn sharp criticism from locals.

Residents alleged that the contractor’s substandard workmanship has failed to address the long-standing issues of the highway. Locals even demonstrated during ongoing construction, pointing out glaring lapses in quality.

The highway, which runs through Sribhumi town and extends to the Sutarkandi border, has been in deplorable condition for years, with deep potholes and waterlogged stretches making travel hazardous. The deteriorated road has not only caused immense hardship but has also led to multiple accidents over time.

Earlier, the Congress party and several social organizations had staged protests demanding immediate repairs. In response, Minister Pal had assured the public that the road would be fixed without delay. However, residents now allege that the ongoing repair work remains far below acceptable standards.

Locals have appealed to the minister to ensure that the road is properly reconstructed before Durga Puja, stressing that temporary fixes and poor-quality patchwork would only worsen the situation.

NSUI student leader, commenting on the issue, highlighted the years of suffering endured by commuters and urged authorities to prioritize safety and quality over hurried execution.