NHIDCL MD Dr. Krishan Kumar inspected key National Highway stretches in Tripura to assess road damage, review ongoing works, and ensure contractor accountability. Severe deterioration on NH-208 and NH-108, including large potholes within two years of construction, has raised serious safety and quality concerns.
Dr. Krishan Kumar, Managing Director of the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL), conducted an extensive field inspection of multiple National Highway stretches across Tripura on Monday, aiming to assess their current condition, review ongoing works, and evaluate contractor performance.
The inspection tour covered key road corridors, including NH-108B from Agartala to Khowai, NH-208 from Khowai to Kailashahar, NH-208A from Kailashahar to Kurti, and NH-08 from Churaibari to Agartala. These highways serve as vital lifelines for trade, transportation, and connectivity in the state, linking important district headquarters and economic zones.
According to engineers from the state’s Public Works Department (PWD), Dr. Kumar’s visit was not only a routine assessment but also part of a larger effort to ensure accountability in infrastructure development. A detailed inspection report will be prepared and submitted to the Union Minister, highlighting the road conditions, progress of repair and maintenance works, and any lapses on the part of contractors.
Senior Officials Accompany the Inspection Team
Dr. Kumar was accompanied by PWD Secretary Kiran Gitte, senior engineers of the department, Khowai District Magistrate Rajat Panth, and NHIDCL officials. The joint presence of senior administrative and engineering personnel underscored the seriousness of the inspection and the need for immediate remedial measures.
Speaking to reporters in Khowai, PWD Secretary Kiran Gitte revealed that the inspection had been carried out under the directive of the Chief Minister. He stressed that the condition of certain stretches had raised significant safety concerns, particularly along NH-208 (Khowai to Kamalpur) and NH-108 (Khowai to Agartala), which have suffered extensive damage over time.
Damage Within Two Years of Construction Raises Concerns
One of the most alarming observations was related to the Khowai-Kamalpur stretch of NH-208. Despite being constructed only two years ago, large potholes have developed along the route, and certain patches have suffered settlement, making the road dangerous for vehicular movement.
In some sections, these potholes have become so deep that they pose a serious risk to passenger safety, particularly for two-wheelers and night-time commuters. The road surface has deteriorated much faster than expected, raising questions about the quality of materials used, the execution of the work, and the frequency of maintenance.
Local commuters have also voiced their frustration, claiming that poor road conditions are hampering transport, increasing travel time, and causing frequent vehicle breakdowns. Many have demanded a comprehensive inquiry into the cause of such rapid deterioration.
Meetings to Ensure Accountability and Speed Up Works
Before commencing his field tour, Dr. Kumar chaired a video conferencing meeting from Agartala with PWD and NHIDCL officials. The meeting reportedly reviewed ongoing highway projects, identified bottlenecks, and discussed possible measures to expedite pending works.
He is scheduled to chair another high-level review meeting in Agartala on Tuesday, where officials are expected to present detailed technical reports and propose remedial measures for the damaged stretches.
PWD Secretary Kiran Gitte hinted that action would be taken against contractors found to be negligent in their work. “The government is committed to ensuring that public funds are utilized properly and that the highways are built and maintained to the highest standards,” he told reporters.
National Highways — Critical for Tripura’s Connectivity
Tripura’s highway network plays a critical role in connecting remote areas with urban centres and linking the state with neighbouring regions, including Bangladesh. Poor road conditions not only slow down transportation but also affect trade, tourism, and emergency services.
NH-108, NH-208, and NH-08 are particularly important routes for goods movement, agricultural produce transport, and passenger travel. Any prolonged disruption on these stretches has a direct impact on the state’s economy and daily life.
The NHIDCL’s intervention is seen as a much-needed push to address infrastructure challenges in Tripura. While central and state governments have been investing heavily in highway development, the recurring issue of premature road damage points to a need for stricter quality control and continuous monitoring.
Next Steps
With Dr. Kumar’s inspection now complete, the next stage will involve detailed reporting and policy decisions. Officials say that the report to the Union Minister will likely recommend urgent repairs, penalties for contractors responsible for substandard work, and enhanced monitoring mechanisms for ongoing and future projects.
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For the people of Tripura, especially those in districts like Khowai and Unakoti, the hope is that this high-level review will lead to swift improvements in road conditions, making travel safer, smoother, and more reliable.
