The Managing Director of the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL), Dr. Kishan Kumar, inspected a severely damaged 12-kilometer stretch of National Highway in the Khowai-Kamalpur area of Tripura on Monday. The highway had developed extensive potholes and damage just two years after its construction was completed.
Tripura Public Works Department (PWD) Secretary Kiran Gitte said the inspection was followed by a meeting in Agartala, where Dr. Kumar discussed the issues with officials and engineers. He later visited highways across West, Dhalai, North, and Khowai districts to assess the condition of the roads firsthand.
“There is a mandatory five-year maintenance period after road construction, but lapses in upkeep have led to the current poor condition of this highway,” Gitte explained. He added that show-cause notices have been issued to the engineers, officials, and the construction agency responsible for neglecting maintenance.
Dr. Kumar directed that restoration work on the damaged 12 km stretch must be completed by October 2025. He warned that failure to meet this deadline would result in action against the responsible agency.
