No Road Maintenance Before Durga Puja on Khowai–Agartala via Hezamara Route, People Still Suffering Amid Festivities

By Our Correspondent

Agartala, October 1, 2025

Despite repeated demand from the Public, the Public Works Department (PWD) didn't carry out urgent road repairs work before the Durga Puja festivities, several major roads across Tripura remain in deplorable condition, dampening the festive spirit of thousands of commuters.

Roads from Kamalpur to Agartala via Khowai, Bishramganj to Takarjala, Ambassa to Gandachara, Amarpur to Gandachara, Amarpur to Jatanbari, Raishyabari, and Udaipur to Amarpur continue to be in broken condition. Locals complain that even during the biggest festival of the state, there has been no visible change in the road infrastructure, forcing them to suffer on unsafe and pothole-ridden roads.

In contrast, a few stretches in Agartala city under the Smart City project witnessed partial repairs, but the condition of mofussil and inter-district roads remained neglected. For many, the poor road connectivity has overshadowed Durga Puja celebrations, turning what should be joyous travel into a harrowing experience.

What is most surprising is that PWD Secretary Kiran Kumar Gitte had issued clear instructions to all district PWD offices to repair dilapidated roads before Puja. Moreover, the Secretary himself had inspected the Khowai road along with senior National Highway Authority officials. At that time, the NHAI officials promised that at least temporary repairs would be completed before the Puja. However, despite assurances, nothing has been done, and commuters continue to suffer.

Locals pointed out that the Kamalpur–Khowai–Agartala road has become so dilapidated that a journey which should take one hour now stretches beyond tow hours. Many alleged that the quality of national highway construction is so poor that even within a year, roads have fallen apart and turned into a nightmare for travelers.

The Bishramganj–Takarjala route is another glaring example, with broken patches at multiple points waiting to draw the attention of authorities. Travelers on this road say they are forced to navigate through dangerous potholes every few meters, putting lives at risk, especially during heavy festive traffic.

Meanwhile, state administrations had issued strict directions to Puja Committees to ensure safety, obtain necessary clearances, and protect roads from damage during festival lighting installations. But ironically, the authorities themselves failed to uphold their responsibility of ensuring proper road conditions ahead of the biggest festival of the state.



Commuters and local residents are now demanding immediate intervention from the state government and National Highway Authority to take up proper repair and long-term road strengthening measures without further delay.

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