Union Minister for Tribal Welfare Jual Oram on Wednesday requested a detailed report from the National Highways Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd (NHIDCL) concerning the worsening condition of an alternative national highway in Tripura, officials confirmed.
The highway, which connects Agartala to Kumarghat via Khowai and Kamalpur, had been upgraded by NHIDCL just a year ago. However, local complaints indicate that several stretches have deteriorated sharply, with some areas described as a “death trap.”
The issue first drew attention when Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha raised concerns in July with Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari, urging immediate intervention.
Oram, who arrived in Tripura on Tuesday and visited Kailashahar in Unakoti district, reviewed the progress of centrally sponsored schemes with senior officials and state ministers. During the meeting, Unakoti District Magistrate Tamal Majumder briefed the Union Minister on the highway’s condition, highlighting the rapid deterioration and Oram’s dissatisfaction with the situation.
According to Majumder, Oram has formally sought a report from NHIDCL regarding the highway’s upkeep and maintenance. The minister also expressed satisfaction with the implementation of various central government schemes, particularly those under the Tribal Welfare Ministry, and urged officials to ensure their timely and efficient completion.
