Statewide Protests Erupt in Assam Over Deteriorating National Highways
Protests Demand Urgent Road Repairs
AASU unit in Bijni demanding urgent repairs across dilapidated stretches over national highways in Assam (Photo)
Guwahati, Sept 11: The All Assam Students’ Union (AASU) organized protests across Assam on Friday, urging the government and the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to take immediate action on the deteriorating conditions of national highways and major roads.
In Guwahati, members of the AASU Kamrup (Metro) district unit gathered at Patharquarry Tiniali, calling for urgent repairs to the damaged national highways throughout the state.
One protester accused the NHAI of prioritizing the establishment of toll booths over the necessary repairs of pothole-ridden highways.
“The NHAI is focusing on setting up toll gates instead of fixing the craters on national highways. Commuters are burdened with toll fees while the authorities neglect their responsibilities. This is why we are protesting today,” the member stated, insisting that repairs should be completed within a week.
In Tamulpur, AASU's district unit formed a human chain to demand the immediate repair and reconstruction of National Highway 127(D), which connects Rangia to Bhutan, along with other local roads in poor condition.
Participants included representatives from the Tamulpur District Unnayan Sabha, Mahila Aikya Mancha, Senior Citizens’ Forum, student groups, and the Ghograpar Traders Association.
The protesters called for the reconstruction of all roads linking the district headquarters, including the Tamulpur-Ghograpar and Goreswar-Bagamati roads.
AASU member Dulujit Das criticized the government and the Public Works Department (PWD) for their negligence, stating that the poor road conditions have caused daily hardships for commuters.
“The Chief Minister has failed to hold the NHAI accountable. The PWD falls under the Chief Minister’s jurisdiction, yet there has been no action to repair the national highways, which disrupt the daily lives of students, the public, and patients,” Das remarked.
He emphasized the urgent need for repairs on the Rangia-Bhutan stretch, labeling it a “death trap” due to its hazardous state and frequent accidents.
In Bijni, AASU units from Chirang and Bongaigaon held a human chain protest at the Dahalapara toll plaza, demanding repairs for National Highway 27 and enhanced road safety measures.
The protesters expressed their dissatisfaction with a recent comment made by the Chief Minister regarding road accidents, suggesting it reflected a lack of empathy towards victims and their families.
Biswajit Roy, president of the Bijni Regional Students’ Union, stated that the protest was part of AASU’s broader organizational initiative.
“It’s difficult to distinguish between a highway and potholes as large as ponds. Authorities continue to collect tolls while neglecting repairs. We urge the Chief Minister to initiate repair work immediately, or the protests will escalate,” Roy warned.
In Sivasagar, AASU’s district unit also staged a human chain protest on National Highway 37 at Gaurisagar.
Sivasagar AASU district president Manab Hazarika expressed frustration over the lack of action on their long-standing repair requests.
“We have been calling for repairs for years, but our pleas have gone unanswered. Contractors may change, but the situation remains the same with no improvements. We demand accountability from the officials responsible,” Hazarika stated.
These protests follow a tragic accident on National Highway 27 near Guwahati that resulted in seven fatalities and numerous injuries, prompting local residents to demand urgent repairs.