Former Union Minister Pratima Bhoumik Meets NHIDCL Officials, Seeks Urgent Repairs to Crumbling National Highways in Tripura
By Our Correspondent
Agartala, July 28, 2026
Expressing serious concern over the deteriorating condition of key national highways in Tripura, former Union Minister of State Pratima Bhoumik on Monday met senior officials of the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) and urged them to take immediate steps to restore damaged road stretches that have become a major cause of public hardship.
During the meeting, Bhoumik highlighted the deplorable condition of the NH-8 stretch between Champaknagar and Khayerpur on the Assam–Agartala National Highway, where potholes, damaged road surfaces and prolonged construction delays have led to severe traffic congestion and safety concerns. She also drew attention to the poor condition of the Agartala–Khowai road via Subalsingh (NH-108B), which has become increasingly hazardous, particularly during the ongoing monsoon season.
According to sources, the former Union Minister emphasized that the deteriorating highways are affecting thousands of daily commuters, transport operators, school students, ambulance services and businesses. She urged NHIDCL to undertake immediate temporary repairs on a war footing to restore safe movement while ensuring that permanent reconstruction and quality improvement works are completed without further delay.
The damaged highways have been witnessing frequent traffic jams, vehicle breakdowns and road accidents, with motorists complaining that waterlogged potholes and uneven surfaces have made travel extremely risky. Residents have repeatedly demanded urgent intervention, stating that the condition of the roads is causing immense inconvenience and economic losses.
Following the meeting, citizens welcomed Pratima Bhoumik's initiative, saying that even temporary restoration of the damaged stretches is urgently required to ensure smooth and safe transportation. Many commuters expressed hope that NHIDCL would respond swiftly and begin repair works before the situation worsens further.
The issue of Tripura's deteriorating national highways has drawn widespread public attention in recent months, with several public representatives and local organizations demanding accountability for the poor quality of construction and delays in maintenance. Earlier, the Chief Minister, legislators and other leaders had also sought urgent intervention from the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways and NHIDCL to improve the condition of the state's critical highway network.
With the monsoon continuing to aggravate road damage across the state, commuters are now looking forward to prompt action from NHIDCL to restore these vital transport lifelines and prevent further disruption to public movement and economic activities.
more news...