Urgent Call for Repairs on National Highways in Sribhumi District
Chief Minister Appeals for Immediate Action
Deplorable road conditions of NH-37 in Sribhumi (Photo: AT)
Silchar, May 23: Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has reached out to the central government, urging prompt action for comprehensive repairs and maintenance of National Highway-8 and National Highway-37 in the Sribhumi district. He highlighted the dire state of the roads and the increasing difficulties faced by the public as the monsoon season approaches.
In a letter sent on Friday to the Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, the Chief Minister included a representation from Patharkandi MLA Krishnendu Paul, who had raised concerns about the poor condition of the highway sections in Sribhumi town.
The maintenance of these roads falls under the jurisdiction of the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL).
Sarma emphasized that the deteriorating road conditions have led to significant traffic jams.
“The highway segments traversing through Sribhumi Town are in a severely neglected state, resulting in major traffic congestion, which raises safety issues and hampers the transport of essential goods and passengers,” the Chief Minister noted in his correspondence with Gadkari.
Huge pool-sized craters in the National Highway-37 stretches (Photo: AT)
He cautioned that the situation could deteriorate further with the onset of the monsoon if immediate repair actions are not taken.
Stressing the strategic significance of the highway, Sarma pointed out that NH-37 is a crucial international route connecting India with Bangladesh, making its restoration essential not only for local traffic but also for trade and regional connectivity in the Barak Valley.
“NH-37 is strategically vital for the Barak Valley residents as it serves as an important international link to Bangladesh via the Sutarkandi Integrated Check Post,” he stated.
The Chief Minister also informed Gadkari that the Assam Chief Secretary had previously contacted the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, requesting NHIDCL's assistance for urgent repairs and maintenance of the affected areas.
“I kindly request you to prioritize this matter so that comprehensive repair and maintenance work can commence promptly,” Sarma concluded in his letter.
Residents suffering through risky road conditions in Sribhumi stretch of NH 37 (Photo: AT)
This initiative comes in response to rising public concern regarding the deteriorating state of highways in southern Assam, especially in Sribhumi district, where both commuters and transporters have voiced their frustrations over damaged roads and traffic delays.
In response to this development, MLA Krishnendu Paul expressed his appreciation to the Chief Minister for addressing the issue at the central level following his representation dated May 20.
“I extend my heartfelt thanks to Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma for taking action regarding the poor condition of NH-37 in Sribhumi Town and NH-8, and for reaching out to Nitin Gadkari Ji for immediate repair and maintenance efforts,” Paul stated.
He added that timely intervention would significantly benefit the residents of Sribhumi and the broader Barak Valley area by ensuring safer roads, enhanced connectivity, and smoother transportation of passengers and essential goods.