Concerns Rise Over Deteriorating India-Bhutan Highway in Bajali District

Major Issues with the India-Bhutan National Highway

Patachartkuchi, Aug 3: The deteriorating state of the India-Bhutan National Highway at Pathsala in Bajali district has raised significant alarm among locals and travelers, who claim that negligence from authorities has transformed this busy road junction into a perilous area.

Despite Pathsala's rapid growth as a commercial center in Bajali district, the road infrastructure has lagged behind the town's expansion. The junction that connects National Highway-27 with National Highway-127A (the India-Bhutan Highway) becomes severely flooded after rainfall, complicating movement for both pedestrians and vehicles.

Residents point out that the lack of an effective drainage system hinders the flow of rainwater, leading to extended periods of waterlogging. Hidden potholes beneath the stagnant water have made the road a potential hazard, especially during the monsoon season and at night when the damaged areas are obscured. Reports indicate that this poor road condition has contributed to numerous accidents, both minor and serious, in recent months.

Community members have criticized the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) for not taking adequate steps towards a lasting solution. They believe that the ongoing neglect of this crucial roadway, which is vital for connectivity between India and Bhutan, highlights the shortcomings in regional infrastructure development.

Residents from Bajali and the adjacent Baksa district have reached out to Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari, Barpeta MP Phani Bhusan Choudhury, Manas MLA Thaneswar Basumatary, and Bajali MLA Dharmeswar Roy, urging them to take action to repair the road, improve drainage systems, and relocate roadside electricity poles to enhance public safety and ensure smooth traffic flow.

ANN Service