Concerns Rise Over Deteriorating Roads in Sonitpur District

Residents in Sonitpur district are increasingly alarmed by the deteriorating state of local roads, particularly the Sagoli-Ahot Tol road. Despite government claims of development, many roads are riddled with potholes and poorly constructed sections, leading to frequent accidents. Local citizens are calling for immediate government action to address these issues and ensure safer travel. The situation highlights the need for better oversight and maintenance of public infrastructure to prevent further tragedies.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jan 13, 2026, 12:51 IST

Road Conditions in Sonitpur District

Tezpur, Jan 13: Despite the state government's efforts to showcase development across various sectors, including transportation, many roads in Sonitpur district, such as NH-15 and NH-37 (A), are plagued with large potholes and excessive speed bumps, creating a troubling situation for commuters.

Among the most affected is the Sagoli-Ahot Tol road, which connects NH-15 to Bandarmari. This road, which underwent widening and reconstruction about ten years ago, is deteriorating rapidly due to a lack of timely maintenance from the responsible department. The numerous potholes have become a significant factor in frequent accidents, leading to fatalities among travelers.

This Public Works Department (PWD) road is crucial for residents traveling to and from Tezpur, the district headquarters, and other localities. However, the road, initially constructed by a contractor with a five-year maintenance agreement, is now in a deplorable state due to negligence from the relevant authorities.

Additionally, a segment of this road from Khelmati-Khusurabari to Tumuki, passing through Bandarmari-Ghatwa and linking to NH-15 and the Tezpur Medical College and Hospital, was reconstructed as part of a multi-crore road-widening initiative under the Chief Minister’s flagship project.

Unfortunately, the construction quality has been criticized, with allegations that a significant portion of the allocated funds was misappropriated by a collaboration of the construction firm, engineers, and some local representatives. Just six to eight months post-completion, the road surface is already deteriorating in several areas, and a culvert in the Kokalbhagi region is riddled with large potholes, increasing the risk of accidents for commuters.

Moreover, a large pothole near Ghatwa LP School poses a serious threat to travelers. Local residents have expressed frustration that their complaints to the authorities have gone unanswered. One resident remarked, “Given the substandard construction, this road won’t endure long, and we will face the same issues as before.”

Residents are now calling on the Chief Minister to take action and implement necessary repairs.