Concerns Rise Over Deteriorating Road Conditions in Silchar
Severe Road Damage Raises Public Alarm
Accumulated water and blocked drainage systems hinder the effective flow of rainwater, leading to the rapid worsening of potholes after each rainfall.
Silchar, May 21: The road linking Silchar to Assam University has fallen into a state of disrepair, prompting significant concern among students, faculty, and local residents regarding its deteriorating condition.
The most affected area is near Silcoorie, especially between the Silcoorie Post Office and Silcoorie Camp, where deep potholes and waterlogged craters have made daily travel increasingly challenging.
Recent heavy rainfall has exacerbated the situation, revealing the fragile nature of this route.
“This road is essential for thousands daily. Besides students and faculty, visitors, researchers, and scholars from across the nation use it for seminars and academic events. The road's condition reflects poorly on the reputation of our esteemed educational institution,” remarked a student.
Local residents have expressed their frustration, claiming that the road collapses every monsoon due to inadequate drainage planning and a lack of sustainable infrastructure solutions.
Recent inspections have identified several damaged sections, totaling nearly 100 meters across various points.
Vehicles navigating the damaged road section
Officials have indicated that ongoing drainage problems are a significant factor contributing to the road's recurring damage.
In light of the growing public outcry, a group of academics from Assam University recently met with Silchar MP Parimal Suklabaidya to discuss the issue.
In response, Suklabaidya stated that he had already engaged with the Executive Engineer of the PWRD Borkhola and Katigorah Territorial Road Division regarding the matter.
“I am aware of the situation as reported by the university delegation, and I have instructed the Executive Engineer to take immediate action to restore the road's usability. Engineers have been tasked with assessing the damage and commencing repair work to alleviate public inconvenience. If needed, I will also allocate funds from the MP LAD fund to ensure smooth commuting for students and faculty,” the MP confirmed.
Additionally, reliable sources have revealed that a Detailed Project Report (DPR) for upgrading nearly 14 km of the road has been prepared and submitted to the government.
The worsening road conditions have sparked frustration among commuters
The proposed project aims to include double-lane expansion, improvements to drainage systems, utility relocations, and the construction of concrete pavements in critical areas, particularly around Silcoorie, where waterlogging has become a persistent issue.
Kallol Nath, Executive Engineer of the PWRD Borkhola and Katigorah Territorial Road Division, mentioned that temporary restoration efforts are expected to commence in the coming days to provide immediate relief for commuters.