NHIDCL Executive Director Narendra Sharma inspects NH-44 in Kanchanpur, assures repair work will resume within one month after protests over incomplete road construction. Locals warn of larger agitation if highway restoration is delayed again.
Amid mounting public concern over the deteriorating condition of National Highway 44 in Kanchanpur, the Executive Director of National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL), Narendra Sharma, on Sunday conducted an on-ground inspection of the incomplete repair work and interacted with local residents and market representatives.
The visit comes in response to growing unrest among traders and commuters who have been grappling with the severely damaged stretch of NH-44 near the Kanchanpur motor stand. The road, which serves as a critical connectivity corridor in the region, has remained in a deplorable condition for months, raising concerns over road safety, traffic congestion, and economic losses.
According to local residents, the repair work had earlier been awarded to JKM Company. However, the contractor allegedly left the project midway without completing essential metalling and carpeting work. Machinery was reportedly withdrawn from the site, leaving behind a partially repaired stretch riddled with potholes and uneven surfaces.
Members of the Kanchanpur market committee and activists of Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS) had earlier staged protests and road blockades, demanding immediate intervention and completion of the highway repairs. Demonstrators accused authorities of neglect and failing to ensure accountability from the contractor.
Although concerned officials had previously assured that the project would be completed within six months, locals claim that no visible progress has been made since that promise. The prolonged delay has intensified public frustration, particularly among daily commuters and transport operators who rely heavily on NH-44 for movement of goods and passengers.
During his inspection, Sharma reviewed the damaged section and held discussions with stakeholders. He assured that NHIDCL would take necessary steps to restart the pending work within one month. He emphasized that restoring the highway to proper condition remains a priority and that corrective measures would be implemented promptly.
The assurance has offered temporary relief to the aggrieved residents. However, market committee members have warned that if the repair work is not completed within the newly promised timeline, they will escalate their agitation with larger public demonstrations.
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NH-44 is a vital arterial route that connects multiple northeastern states, and any prolonged disruption significantly affects trade, transportation, and daily life. The coming weeks will be crucial as locals await concrete action from NHIDCL to fulfill its commitment and restore smooth connectivity in Kanchanpur.
