Agartala’s cover drain project has triggered severe traffic jams, damaged roads, and business losses. Commuters, traders, and parents face daily hardships as poor planning and delays plague the project, raising concerns about its completion before Durga Puja.
Agartala city is witnessing an unprecedented level of traffic chaos as the ongoing cover drain construction project continues to disrupt normal life. What was envisioned as a long-term solution to the city’s persistent waterlogging problems has, in the short term, created a nightmare for commuters, traders, students, and residents alike.
The project, which aims to modernize Agartala’s drainage system and minimize flooding during monsoon, is being carried out in multiple phases across key city areas. While the intention is laudable, the ground reality is far from smooth. Instead of providing relief, the ongoing construction has become synonymous with poor planning, mismanagement, and prolonged disruption.
Daily Struggles of Commuters
Every day, long queues of vehicles stretch across busy roads. Office-goers, students, and traders face delays that have now become routine. Auto-rickshaw and e-rickshaw drivers complain of losing multiple trips daily, which is cutting into their earnings. Parents, too, have raised concerns as school buses remain stuck in traffic for extended periods, forcing children to spend extra hours on the road.
The absence of alternative traffic arrangements has only worsened the situation. With no proper diversions or bypasses, traffic piles up during peak hours, particularly in narrow lanes. In some cases, even ambulances and emergency vehicles struggle to pass through congested roads.
Key Areas Worst Affected
Among the hardest-hit regions are Abhaynagar, Indranagar, RMS Chowmuhani, and several stretches along important arterial roads. These areas frequently witness long traffic jams, with commuters stranded for over an hour during rush hours.
Adding to the problem, construction debris, drain mud, and garbage are piled up on the roadside, narrowing the available road space and creating further bottlenecks. Many roads have been left in a dilapidated state, riddled with potholes and incomplete finishing work. Families living near these sites complain that they are unable to move their vehicles into garages or parking slots due to the poor condition of road shoulders.
Impact on Businesses
Traders and shopkeepers in busy market hubs have voiced strong resentment. With reduced parking space and customers unwilling to enter congested zones, business activity has taken a severe hit. For many small traders, daily sales have dropped considerably, while others fear further losses if the situation persists into the festive season.
Public Anger and Government Response
The city’s residents have expressed sharp dissatisfaction over the lack of coordination among government departments. Many believe that the project, though essential, is being executed without proper planning or consideration for public inconvenience.
The seriousness of the situation forced Mayor Dipak Majumder to personally visit the Abhaynagar stretch. During his inspection, he assured citizens that the work would be completed before Durga Puja. He also emphasized that the Agartala Municipal Corporation (AMC) was working tirelessly to minimize public inconvenience during the festival.
Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha also stepped in, chairing a high-level meeting at the civil secretariat to address the growing complaints. He directed officials to explore modern solutions, such as introducing a hydraulic parking system in Agartala, to ease congestion and reduce the pressure caused by roadside parking.
Uncertain Outlook Ahead
Despite assurances, the situation on the ground continues to look discouraging. CEO of AMC, Sailesh Yadav, had earlier announced in a video message that the cover drain project would be completed by September 21. However, given the current pace of work and the lack of visible coordination, many residents are skeptical about the timeline.
Compounding matters, the looming monsoon adds another layer of concern. If heavy rainfall occurs before the project is completed, residents fear that the combination of unfinished drainage work and damaged roads will make daily life unbearable.
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The cover drain project in Agartala was supposed to bring long-term relief from the chronic issue of waterlogging. But in its execution, it has exposed glaring gaps in planning and traffic management. For now, the city’s residents, traders, and commuters are paying the price of mismanagement. Unless immediate measures are taken to speed up construction and streamline traffic, the hardships of Agartala’s people are set to continue.
