Reported by Sasanka Talukdar
Bajali: Serious concerns have been raised over the condition of National Highway-27 passing through Assam’s Barpeta and Bajali districts, with local residents alleging negligence by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) despite continuous toll collection from commuters.
Although the four-lane highway was constructed with approval from the Central Government to improve connectivity and transportation, commuters claim that the road infrastructure remains unsafe and poorly maintained, with no service road.
The 27.3-kilometre stretch from Kaljhar in Howly to Patacharkuchi was reportedly constructed by KMCL after work began in 2005. However, allegations of technical flaws and poor-quality construction have surfaced over the years.
Sources said KMCL had assigned the responsibility of constructing bridges and culverts on the highway to another company, SIMPLEX.
At present, several culverts and bridges along the highway are reportedly in a dangerous condition. Many culverts have sunk, while cracks and structural damage have raised fears among commuters.
Particular concern has been expressed over the bridge constructed over the Pahumara River. During the monsoon season, rising water levels reportedly strike the bridge girders, increasing pressure on the embankments and causing erosion and damage.
Although estimates for repair work were reportedly prepared earlier, the repair work has yet to begin.
Similarly, the railway overbridge at Pathsala requires frequent repairs almost every month, raising apprehensions about the possibility of a major accident in the future.
Despite frequent road accidents on the highway, locals alleged that there are no proper warning or danger signboards along several vulnerable stretches.
Multiple diversions on the highway reportedly lack cautionary signs, and even moderate rainfall causes severe waterlogging in these areas, creating further risk for commuters.
Residents also alleged that while the National Highways Authority of India has entrusted NHIT with the responsibility of maintenance, toll collection, and other operations on the highway, the agency appears to be more focused on collecting toll taxes rather than ensuring smooth and safe transportation facilities.
Locals have urged the National Highways Authority of India to take the matter seriously and immediately improve the condition of the highway for the safety and convenience of the public.