Concern over deplorable condition of NH-54

FROM A CORRESPONDENT

HAFLONG, Jan 20: The residents of Durbin Tilla here have expressed serious concern over the deplorable condition of NH-54 (E). The Sourastra to Silchar or the East-West corridor of the country and also the lifeline of entire Barak Valley and neighboring states like Tripura, Manipur, Mizoram though being constructed for a long time, but there is no sign of completion of said road and in some section of the road left behind in a very bad condition forcing the people to travel risking their lives.

Moreover JKM, the construction company engaged for the construction of the stretch from Jatinga to Harangajao has left the work incomplete and approached the court against the NHAI as the NHAI reportedly failed to give the ROW (Right of Way) to the JKM resulting to uncertainty in the construction.

Following the pressure from public, the NHAI has reportedly requested the HCC Company to make the existing road from Jatinga to Harangajao at least motorable but the HCC has again given the work to some contractors whose credential is in question, which the people have already raised to the concerned authorities.

The 200 metres stretches at Durbin Tilla which remained untouched since long after a heavy landslide is more prone to accident. Locals said already number of accident have taken place resulting in disruption of road communication.

State PWD minister Parimal Suklabaidya in March last year had assured the President of Haflong Press Club when later met Minister at Circuit House, Silchar that he would take immediate steps in this regards but till date no steps have been taken.

BJP State president Ranjit Kumar Das in his recent visit to Haflong was also apprised about the pathetic condition of roads in Dima Hasao including the East – West corridor.

During the meeting Das assured that he along with the Chief Executive Member, N C Hills Autonomous Council, BJP District President, EMs and all the BJP leaders would meet, Union Road and Transport Minister and Shipping Nitin Gadkari to appraise him about the road condition of Dima Hasao.