Residents Demand Urgent Repairs for Deteriorating Haflong-Silchar Road

Residents of Retzawl village are increasingly frustrated with the deteriorating conditions of the Haflong-Silchar road, which poses significant risks to local communities. Despite the government's focus on a new highway, the old road remains neglected, leading to hardships for students and daily commuters. The Hmar Women Association has stepped in to make temporary repairs, but locals are calling for immediate black-topping to prevent accidents. With hopes pinned on the new highway to alleviate traffic, urgent maintenance of the existing road is critical to ensure safety and accessibility for these remote villages.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jan 6, 2026, 11:38 IST

Community Frustration Over Neglected Road Conditions

Haflong, Jan 6: The inhabitants of Retzawl village, situated approximately 14 kilometers from Haflong along the old Haflong-Silchar route, are expressing their growing dissatisfaction regarding the government's lack of attention to the severe decline of this crucial roadway.

Every day, thousands of heavy vehicles traverse this road, worsening its already precarious condition and posing serious risks to the local population.

While officials are striving to finish at least one lane of the new four-lane Jatinga-Harangajao section of National Highway-27 by January 31, the older road linking Jatinga to Retzawl remains largely neglected. Villages like Arda, Doiheng, and Retzawl are suffering the consequences of this oversight, with residents reporting significant challenges for students, patients, and daily travelers.

The road's dire state, characterized by deep potholes, clouds of dust, and frequent landslides, has resulted in constant accident risks and health problems due to persistent dust pollution.

In the absence of government action, members of the Hmar Women Association have taken it upon themselves to conduct temporary repairs and sprinkle water on the road each morning to reduce dust, especially to safeguard children and the elderly.

In statements to the media, representatives from the Association called for immediate black-topping of the road, warning that any further delays could lead to serious accidents and potential loss of life.

The old Haflong-Silchar road has a long-standing reputation for being hazardous, with recent reports underscoring ongoing problems despite previous commitments for improvements.

Local leaders and commuters are hopeful that the completion of the new highway will eventually redirect heavy traffic, but until that happens, urgent maintenance of the current road is essential to alleviate the suffering of these remote villages inhabited by the Hmar community.