Assam Government Offers Compensation Following Fatal Khetri Road Accident
Compensation and Investigation Announced
Assam CM claimed police probe found poor road conditions and potholes to be the cause of the fatal accident (Photo: AT)
Guwahati, Aug 31: On Monday, the Assam administration declared a compensation of Rs 5 lakh for each of the families affected by the tragic Khetri road accident, which resulted in the deaths of seven individuals. Additionally, the government has promised free medical treatment for the injured at Gauhati Medical College and Hospital (GMCH).
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma made these announcements during his visit to the accident site on National Highway 27, a day after the incident.
“This is a deeply saddening and tragic event. Local residents have indicated that potholes and inadequate maintenance of the highway contributed to the accident, a finding corroborated by the police investigation,” Sarma stated.
He mentioned that Assam Police has initiated a case to look into the factors surrounding the accident and will pursue legal action against those deemed responsible.
“While financial assistance cannot restore the lives lost, I extend my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. We will strive to prevent such incidents in the future,” he added.
The Chief Minister criticized the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) for the poor condition of the roads, stating that the contractor responsible for maintenance had failed in their duties.
“We have communicated with the NHAI Chairman, who has assured us that repairs will commence soon. We will monitor the progress to ensure that similar accidents do not recur,” he noted.
Sarma also mentioned that Chief Secretary Ravi Kota is in ongoing discussions with the NHAI chairman regarding the situation, and an investigation will be conducted.
“The Chairman has committed to investigating the matter, and if any negligence is found, appropriate action will be taken against the officials and contractors involved,” he stated.
Furthermore, the Chief Minister revealed that the state police has launched a separate inquiry, and actions will be determined based on its outcomes.
In response to calls for a reduction or exemption of toll fees on the affected highway, Sarma remarked that the accident should not be directly associated with toll collection.
“I cannot officially comment on this matter. There are ongoing expansion projects in various areas, including elevated corridors and tunnels, with the Central Government investing significantly more than what is collected in tolls,” he explained.
“I believe it is unnecessary to connect the accident with toll fees. However, if the community collectively decides otherwise, I will respect their wishes. Our primary focus must be on repairing the roads to prevent future accidents,” Sarma concluded.
In the wake of the accident, protests erupted in multiple locations across the state on Monday, with residents and organizations criticizing the NHAI for the state of national highways.
At the Nazirakhat Toll Plaza in Sonapur, local residents and various groups halted toll collection, demanding its suspension until the damaged NH-27 stretch from Khanapara to Jagiroad is repaired.
In Raha, members of AASU, ATSU, AJYCP, and the Manab Adhikar Sangram Samiti, along with local residents and students, blocked NH-27 at Dewaguri Chariali for approximately 15 minutes, calling for the completion and repair of service lanes and proper drainage along the highway.
The blockade was lifted after Nagaon Deputy Commissioner Debashish Sharma assured the protesters that their concerns would be addressed with the relevant authorities.
In Jorhat, the Assam Nationalist Youth Students’ Council (AJYSC) district committee burned an effigy of the NHAI at Mitha Pukhuri, accusing them of negligence in maintaining the required standards for national highway construction and demanding accountability for the fatalities in Khetri.