NHAI Commits to Urgent Repairs on Khanapara-Sonapur Highway After Fatal Accident
Immediate Action Following Tragic Incident
The mangled passenger vehicle following the fatal crash near Khetri. (AT Photo)
Guwahati, Aug 31: In response to the tragic accident near Khetri that resulted in seven fatalities, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has pledged to address potholes along the Khanapara-Sonapur highway within a week.
Abhishek Kumar, an official from NHAI, confirmed that the repair work would be completed within the promised timeframe.
This commitment was made during a meeting at the Guwahati Police Commissioner's office in Khanapara, which included NHAI representatives, police officials, the Dimoria MLA, the Guwahati Lok Sabha MP, district administration members, and local residents.
Kumar also indicated that legal proceedings and an investigation would be initiated against the contractors responsible for the hazardous road section.
“We have dismissed our site engineer and have urged the administration to pursue legal action against the contractors and relevant agencies,” he stated, opting not to answer further media inquiries.
Kamrup (Metro) Deputy Commissioner Swapneel Paul mentioned that the administration took into account various perspectives, including those of local residents, before establishing the repair deadline.
“We have set a seven-day timeline for NHAI to fix all potholes from Khanapara to Sonapur leading to NH-37 in Kamrup (M). NHAI has agreed to this timeline,” Paul noted.
A committee has been formed to oversee the repair efforts.
“This committee will include the Co-District Commissioner (CDC), the DTO of Kamrup (M), the SDPO of Dimoria, the Circle Officer, and two representatives from civil society. They will monitor the repairs and report back to the Deputy Commissioner by September 8,” Paul added.
Additionally, a special meeting of the District Road Safety Committee (DRSC) is scheduled for September 3 at the CDC office in Dimoria, focusing on issues related to the Sonapur highway.
“There was a pothole at the accident site, indicating a failure on NHAI's part. We have gathered all contractor details from the project director, and the process is in motion,” Paul remarked.
Local residents who participated in the meeting were encouraged to submit written applications detailing their concerns to the CDC, Dimoria, within 24 hours.
Guwahati MP Bijuli Kalita Medhi highlighted that numerous accidents have occurred on this stretch, with residents and organizations consistently voicing their worries about potholes.
“People often only recognize accidents that result in fatalities, but many others go unreported, leaving individuals with severe injuries. NHAI has been given a seven-day deadline to commence repairs immediately,” Medhi stated.
Residents also requested a reduction or waiver of toll fees on the damaged highway sections and compensation from NHAI for their alleged negligence.
Dimoria MLA Tapan Das confirmed that NHAI officials assured prompt monitoring and repair of the affected area.
Meanwhile, GMCH Principal Babul Kumar Bezbaruah confirmed that the identities of all seven victims from Sunday’s accident have been established.
The deceased were identified as Idris Ali from Ulubari, Anima Deka Bordoloi from Lahorighat, Insan Ali from Kapalkata, Tafazzul Ali from Kahikuchi, Gopal Das from Jagiroad, Jyotika Ronghang from Guwahati, and Prashanta Talukdar from Jagiroad.
The DTO of Kamrup (Metro) expressed serious concerns regarding road safety during the meeting and hoped that such tragic incidents would not happen again, emphasizing that police are enforcing strict measures against traffic violations.