AGARTALA, December 3 (TIWN): CM Manik Sarkar's demands to Modi mention the need for another National Highway and 4 lane work of NH-44 but CM completely silent on the present state of NH-44. Why the condition of NH-44 which is the lifeline of the state is getting worse day-by-day? Why Manik Sarkar’s Govt is unable to maintain NH-44 ? After the Ministry of Road Transport and Highway (MoRTH) handover development and maintenance of 104 km of the Assam Agartala National Highway (NH-44) to the PWD on September 2013, the condition of the NH-44 is worsening day-by-day due to negligence of PWD. According to sources, the National Highway- Dharmanagar to Panisagar, Jirania Block Tri-Junction, Champaknagar, Dolubari, Kumarghat to Pecharthal and Chandraipara have become very dangerous. "The condition of the NH- 44 is such a bad shape in some spots, it could be snapped anytime", the source added.

According to the sources The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways recently gave an approval of Rs. 15 crore for the maintenance and the development of the NH-44, connecting Churaibari with Sabroom via Agartala.  

CM Manik's memorendum to PM Modi on Dec 1 asking for another National Highway and 4 Lane work of NH-44

The deplorable condition of National Highway 44  the only road connectivity that links mainland India with the eastern part of Meghalaya, Barak Valley in Assam, Manipur, Mizoram and Tripura  has for a long time now remained a harrowing experience for helpless commuters.

Frequent disruption of vehicular movement, seasonal landslides and alarmingly high rates of tragic accidents that claims scores of lives, have become the order of the day, but so far none of the authorities responsible for the day-to-day upkeep of the arterial road have come to the rescue of the commuters.

The present road turns from its original shape into a muddy or dusty road, depending on whether it is sunny or rainy, and the commuters have no option but to travel through this long stretch of “jumpy bumpy” road full of potholes and boulders, at times risking their own life, while on other occasions, putting their lives and safety in the hands of the driver.

The bad road condition also poses tremendous dangers to pedestrians and villagers who live on either side of the highway. On many occasions, pedestrians have reportedly been injured with stone chips hitting them, as vehicles pass by.

The National Highway was handed over to the State PWD by NHAI, which raised hopes among the commuters that their troubles would soon be over. But the hope became their nightmare as the condition of the NH-44 is getting worse day by day. After taking over the charge of maintenance the PWD is not working up to the mark, a section of people said.