Heavy rainfall disrupted traffic on NH-108B between Khowai and Agartala, causing waterlogging, landslides, and halted transport services. Commuters faced severe inconvenience as under-construction road conditions worsened amid recurring monsoon-related infrastructure concerns.
Traffic movement along National Highway-108B, connecting Khowai and Agartala, was severely disrupted on Monday evening after heavy rainfall left key stretches of the under-construction road waterlogged and muddy, bringing vehicular movement to a near standstill.
According to local reports, the disruption began around 6 pm when continuous rainfall damaged portions of the highway, worsening already fragile conditions due to ongoing construction work. The worst-affected areas were reported between Belfang, Subal Singh Para, and Mohanbari, where slush accumulation and stagnant water made the road nearly impassable.
Residents and commuters said the situation deteriorated further due to landslides from adjacent elevated terrain. Mud and debris slid onto the roadway, blocking multiple sections and creating hazardous conditions for vehicles. Small vehicles and two-wheelers were the most affected, with many unable to proceed through heavily damaged patches. Even heavy vehicles struggled, moving at extremely slow speeds while drivers were forced to halt frequently to manually remove mud stuck to tyres.
Public transportation services bore the brunt of the disruption. Bus services operating between Khowai and Agartala were suspended during the evening hours, leaving passengers stranded. Additionally, smaller passenger vehicles departing from Agartala’s Radhanagar bus stand towards Khowai were unable to continue their journeys due to unsafe road conditions.
Authorities reportedly diverted some vehicles through alternative routes via Jirania and Teliamura. However, these routes also experienced heavy congestion, resulting in slow movement and extended travel times. Daily commuters, transport workers, and emergency travelers faced significant inconvenience as delays mounted.
The incident has once again highlighted concerns surrounding the pace and quality of the ongoing highway construction. Locals expressed frustration, noting that similar disruptions have become a recurring issue during the rainy season. Many have questioned whether adequate drainage systems and slope protection measures are being implemented to withstand monsoon conditions.
Transport workers and residents have urged authorities to take immediate corrective measures to restore normal traffic flow and ensure safer travel conditions. With the monsoon season approaching, there is growing apprehension that such disruptions could become more frequent if infrastructure challenges are not addressed promptly.
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Officials are yet to release a detailed statement on the situation, but efforts are expected to be initiated to clear debris and repair damaged stretches. Until then, commuters are advised to exercise caution and plan travel accordingly.
