Agartala, September 10: For commuters using the Pecharthal-Nabincherra stretch of the Assam-Agartala National Highway in Unakoti district, the monsoon has turned an already damaged road into a daily challenge. Deep potholes filled with rainwater, slippery mud and uneven surfaces are reportedly slowing traffic and making the journey increasingly hazardous.
Drivers said the biggest difficulty comes after rainfall, when water collects in the potholes and hides their actual depth. Motorists are forced to navigate the stretch cautiously, often reducing speed sharply to avoid getting trapped or damaging their vehicles.
The condition has reportedly persisted for more than six months. Local residents and drivers claimed that repair work has been undertaken intermittently, but the road continues to deteriorate under the combined impact of heavy traffic and monsoon rains.
Toto driver Anupam Chakma said heavy showers frequently disrupt movement along the stretch. According to him, vehicles sometimes remain in long queues, while travelling with patients becomes particularly difficult.
“During heavy rain, vehicles have to move very slowly and sometimes remain stranded in queues for a long time. Taking patients to hospitals becomes particularly difficult,” Chakma said.
For drivers who depend on their vehicles for their livelihood, the damaged road is also becoming a financial burden. Gautam Nama, another Toto driver, alleged that vehicles regularly get caught in deep potholes, resulting in damage to tyres and mechanical components.
Nama claimed that drivers have to spend repeatedly on repairs and questioned why earlier repair works have failed to provide a lasting solution. He alleged that portions repaired periodically become damaged again after heavy rain and continued traffic.
Jamal Uddin, another driver, called for a permanent restoration programme covering the damaged sections. He urged the authorities to move beyond temporary patchwork and ensure that repair works can withstand monsoon conditions and regular traffic.
Residents have meanwhile raised questions over the quality of maintenance work. Some alleged that contractors have not adhered to required standards and questioned the durability of repairs. There were also allegations of irregularities in the execution and maintenance of the works, though these claims could not be independently verified.
Commuters have urged the concerned authorities to inspect the entire Pecharthal-Nabincherra stretch and undertake comprehensive repairs at the earliest.
They said immediate restoration is necessary to improve traffic flow, prevent further vehicle damage and reduce the risk of accidents on the important highway corridor.
