Controversy Erupts Over UDD Secretary’s Claim of Completion of Smart Road Works at VIP Road and Borjala Road
By Our Correspondent
Agartala, April 25, 2026
A controversy has emerged following claims by the Urban Development Department (UDD) Secretary that several major road infrastructure projects in Agartala, including Borjala Road and VIP Road, have already been completed, even as ground reports suggest that much of the work remains unfinished.
At a high-level review meeting held on April 23, 2026, the UDD Secretary stressed the need to expedite the implementation of Smart Road projects across the city. Officials of Agartala Smart City Limited (ASCL), along with other concerned agencies, were directed to complete blacktopping and stormwater drainage systems before the onset of the monsoon.
Special focus was given to key stretches such as Borjala Road and VIP Road. Contractors were instructed to begin blacktopping by the first week of May and ensure completion by mid-May, with strict timelines imposed to prioritize these works.
However, the controversy began after officials reportedly stated in the meeting that stormwater drainage work had already been completed in several major areas, including the IT Hub surroundings, BT Road, Borjala Road, VIP Road, Ministers Quarters Road, Akhaura Road, HGB Road, Jail Road, and ITI Road.
In reality, the situation on the ground appears different. In many of these locations, work is still incomplete. Several stretches lack proper drain covers, while in others, the drainage system itself remains partially unfinished. Notably, multiple portions of Borjala Road and VIP Road still do not have drain covers installed. Additionally, the work of laying tiles over the drains has not been completed in many small stretches.
The Secretary, however, acknowledged that drainage work is still pending in areas such as Thakurpalli Road, Jail Ashram Road, Ronaldsay Road, Shakuntala Road, and GB Road, and assured that these would be completed at the earliest.
The issue has gained further attention after the UDD released advertisements in select media outlets, stating that the Smart Road projects involve extensive work, including stormwater drainage systems, electrical inspection chambers, underground utilities, consumer connection pits, DWS pipeline installations, median development, tiled footpaths, street lighting, and RMU transformer bases. According to the department, such complex work requires careful excavation and restoration, which naturally increases construction time.
Despite these explanations, concerns have been raised over a lack of coordination among different departments. Frequent and unplanned excavation has led to repeated disruptions, including damage to underground electrical cables and gas pipelines, causing inconvenience to the public.
The department also cited challenges such as obstructions due to existing utilities within the right-of-way and encroachment issues in certain areas. It further stated that HDPE pipe-laying work is currently ongoing on most Smart Road stretches and will be completed soon.
To address these challenges, the UDD Secretary has directed all agencies to work in mission mode, strictly follow deadlines, and increase manpower and machinery. Instructions have also been issued to ensure public safety by installing proper barricades around construction sites.
In a firm directive, the Secretary stated that all pending stormwater drainage work must be completed before the monsoon, warning that any delay will not be tolerated.
Despite these assurances, the gap between official claims and the actual condition on the ground has triggered public debate, with citizens questioning the accuracy of completion reports and the effectiveness of coordination among departments in executing Agartala’s Smart Road projects.
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