Per KM expenditures more than 12 Cr, Massive Corruption Alleged in National Highway Projects Across Tripura

By Our Correspondent

Agartala, June 8, 2025

Serious allegations of widespread corruption and substandard construction have surfaced regarding multiple national highway projects across Tripura. According to available reports, more than eight National Highway (NH) projects have been sanctioned in the state in recent years. However, most of the works are proceeding at a snail's pace, and many of them are being sublet to outside-state agencies who are failing to comply with standard national highway construction guidelines.

Among the most concerning cases are the Khowai-Kamalpur and Khowai-Agartala national highways. The Union government had sanctioned over Rs. 620 crore for the development of these two roads, intended to improve regional connectivity and ensure smooth transportation. But despite the huge allocation, the work remains incomplete and of extremely poor quality, making them virtual death traps for travelers.

The Khowai-Kamalpur stretch is approximately 25 kilometers and Khowai-Agartala stretch is 38 KM long, with a sanctioned cost exceeding Rs. 12 crore per kilometer, yet the road condition is subpar, riddled with potholes and lacking essential infrastructure such as signage, drainage, and lighting systems. Similarly, the Khowai-Ambassa stretch, which is part of NH, was sanctioned at around Rs. 208 crore, but the ground reality does not reflect the expenditure.

In both projects, the construction process has involved serious irregularities, including improper groundwork, unscientific road layering, and complete absence of proper water drainage systems. These faults not only pose risks to daily commuters but also highlight how national highway standards are being blatantly violated.

Previously completed highway works like the Agartala-Sabroom stretch and the Kanchanpur to Jampui Hill road also reflect similar issues. Although officially marked as “complete,” these roads lack basic features like street lighting, safety signage, and effective drainage systems, key components of a standard NH project.

Local residents and travelers have raised serious concerns over the growing number of accidents and vehicle damage caused by these dangerously built roads. Experts suggest that a central investigation or audit may be necessary to examine the allocation, subletting, and utilization of funds in these highway projects.

Without urgent intervention and accountability from both state and central authorities, Tripura's ambitious infrastructure development plans may end up wasting public money while risking countless lives.

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