Patachartkuchi, Aug 3: The deteriorating condition of the India-Bhutan National Highway link at Pathsala in Bajali district has become a major cause of concern with residents and commuters alleging that official negligence has turned one of the region's busiest road junctions into a dangerous stretch.
Although Pathsala has expanded rapidly as the commercial hub of Bajali district, its road infrastructure has failed to keep pace with the town's growth. The junction connecting National Highway-27 with the National Highway-127A (India-Bhutan Highway) gets severely waterlogged after every spell of rain, making pedestrian and vehicle movement extremely difficult.
According to residents, the absence of a scientifically designed drainage system prevents rainwater from flowing out, resulting in prolonged waterlogging. Potholes hidden beneath stagnant water have turned the road into a virtual death trap, particularly during the monsoon and at night when the damaged surface is not visible. The poor condition of the road has reportedly led to several minor and major accidents in recent months.
Residents alleged that the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has failed to take any meaningful action for a permanent solution. The continued neglect of this strategically important road, which serves as a key link between India and Bhutan, reflects poorly on the infrastructure development in the region, they voiced.
People from Bajali and the neighbouring Baksa district have appealed to Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari, Barpeta MP Phani Bhusan Choudhury, Manas MLA Thaneswar Basumatary, and Bajali MLA Dharmeswar Roy to intervene and ensure the immediate repair of the road, facilitate proper drainage, and relocation of the roadside electricity poles in the interest of public safety and smooth traffic movement.
ANN Service