AGARTALA, July 7 (TIWN): Expressing tension over the existing poor condition of the supply of goods in the state due to the dilapidated condition of National Highway over past 20 days, Food and civil supplies director Soumitra Banerjee said that Essential commodities and fuel on trucks waiting to be transported to Tripura are stuck on National Highway after incessant rains damaged many portions of the arterial road. Lack of movement of vehicles on Assam-Agartala National Highway has caused widespread distress across the State, with reports claiming that petrol prices have shot up to Rs. 250 per litre in some areas of the State and spiking up the crisis of essential goods in the state.The long stretch of the Assam-Agartala NH at Lowerpoa in Karimganj district of Assam was badly damaged during floods and thousands of trucks carrying essential commodities and fuel are stranded. Hundreds of trucks have been stranded for almost a month, making it difficult to transport supplies to Tripura.

Tripura government has imposed rationing in the use of fuel. State Minister for Food and Civil Supplies, Bhanu Lal Saha, earlier in a press meet said that there is buffer stock of food grains for 55 days.

All petrol pumps in the State have been instructed not to sell fuel worth more than Rs. 200 at a time to vehicles.

It is to be mentioned here that officials also fear a possible shortage of essential commodities, if the problem persists for another week. The transport workers are reportedly suffering from food and water shortage.

 is to be mention here that if the concerned department would have taken the necessary measures for the repairing of the road prior to the arrival of monsoon the situation could have been much improved.

A vast number of commuters and drivers of the vehicles including night supers and goods carrying trucks are facing several problems due to poor condition of National Highway. The present road turned from its original shape to muddy and is flooded with water as incessant rainfall has clogged the roads resulting traffic jams and irregularities of transpiration. Unfortunately, commuters have no option but to travel through this long stretch of jumping 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.

Allegedly, the condition of the NH-8 (44) is worsening day-by-day due to negligence of PWD and the agencies assigned by the department. The condition of the NH- 44 is in such a bad shape in some spots, it could be snapped at anytime", the source added.