Amarpur, Oct 16 — Tension flared in Amarpur on Thursday as a group of local drivers and residents gheraoed the office of the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL), demanding immediate renovation of a dilapidated road connecting Amarpur and Natunbazar in Tripura’s Gomati district.
According to protesters, the stretch has become almost unmotorable, causing immense hardship to daily commuters and transporters. Despite repeated complaints, Rani Construction Pvt. Ltd., the firm entrusted by NHIDCL with the roadwork, has allegedly failed to take any substantial repair measures.
The road from Teliamura to Sabroom via Amarpur and Natunbazar is being upgraded to a national highway, with Rani Construction responsible for the Amarpur–Karbook section. Locals accused the company of working at a sluggish pace since the project began, while heavy vehicles carrying construction materials have further damaged the already broken surface, leaving deep potholes and cracks.
For nearly a year, the Natunbazar stretch has remained in a neglected state, forcing auto drivers to operate under hazardous conditions. With Kali Puja approaching, the drivers expressed fears that poor connectivity would deter visitors from attending the famed Natunbazar festivities, worsening their economic distress.
Amid growing outrage, the demonstrators surrounded the NHIDCL office and demanded immediate action. Senior officials, including DCM Pamir Karmakar, SDPO Nirmal Das, and Birganj police personnel, rushed to the spot and mediated discussions between the protesters and NHIDCL representatives.
Following a lengthy meeting, R.K. Sharma, General Manager of Rani Construction Pvt. Ltd., provided a written assurance that repair work would begin on Friday to ensure smooth traffic flow during the festive period. Satisfied with the commitment, the protesters withdrew their agitation.
