Agartala: In a move to address the deteriorating condition of national highways in Tripura, Dr. Krishan Kumar, the Managing Director of the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL), conducted a thorough inspection of several key road stretches on Monday.
The visit, which follows request from Tripura Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha to the Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Shri Nitin Gadkari, aims to assess construction quality, monitor project progress, and enforce accountability on contractors.
Accompanied by state officials including PWD Secretary Kiran Gitte and Khowai District Magistrate Rajat Panth, Dr. Kumar’s inspection focused on NH-108B (Agartala–Khowai), NH-208 (Khowai–Kailashahar), NH-208A (Kailashahar–Kurti), and NH-08 (Churaibari–Agartala).
A major point of concern during the inspection was the severely damaged 12-kilometer stretch of NH-208 between Khowai and Kamalpur. This section, plagued by large potholes and surface settlements, has become hazardous for commuters, a particularly troubling issue as the road was constructed just two years ago. The rapid deterioration has triggered a push for strict action against those responsible.
The NHIDCL Managing Director’s visit is part of a concerted effort to fast-track repair works. A technical team from the Central Road Research Institute (CRRI) had already inspected the Khowai-Kamalpur stretch in late July and is expected to submit its detailed report to the Union Ministry by August 15.
The findings of Dr. Kumar’s inspection will also be compiled and sent to the Union Minister for further action.
On Monday, Dr. Kumar chaired a virtual meeting with district officials from Agartala. He lead another round of high-level deliberations on Tuesday in the state capital to finalize a comprehensive plan for urgent repairs and long-term maintenance of the state’s national highways.
Officials are targeting the completion of repair work on the critical stretches before the upcoming Durga Puja festival.
Chief Minister Dr.Manik Saha held discussions with Dr.Kumar in this regard and NHIDCL MD assured all out support for this North East State, said sources.