Tripura CM Dr. Manik Saha has directed officials to complete road maintenance works before Durga Puja, ensuring quality, better connectivity and safe travel across the state. PWD and NHIDCL are undertaking repairs on key roads, with special focus on routes connecting hospitals, railway stations, bus stands and Puja pandals.
Tripura Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha has directed officials of the Public Works Department (PWD), National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) and other concerned agencies to complete ongoing road maintenance works before the ensuing Durga Puja, while maintaining strict quality control.
The directive was issued during a high-level review meeting chaired by the Chief Minister on August 8 at the War Room of the Tripura Institute of Technology (TIFT). The meeting reviewed the status and progress of road maintenance works being undertaken across different parts of the state.
PWD Secretary Kiran Gitte, while addressing a press conference on Monday, said the meeting focused on expediting ongoing maintenance works, ensuring quality standards and resolving connectivity-related problems, particularly in view of the monsoon season and the upcoming festive period.
Senior officers from the PWD, NHIDCL and other concerned departments attended the review meeting. Officials presented district-wise reports on the progress of ongoing road maintenance projects along with action plans aimed at completing essential works before Durga Puja.
A follow-up meeting was subsequently held by the PWD Secretary on Monday at the Secretariat conference hall to assess the progress of road maintenance works throughout the state.
According to Gitte, the PWD (R&B) has targeted maintenance of 1,006 roads covering a total length of 1,622 km. In addition, maintenance work has been planned for 119 roads covering 665 km under PWD (PMGSY) and 32 roads covering 377 km under PWD (NH). The department has set September 30 as the target for completion of these maintenance works.
The Secretary also provided an update on road maintenance works being undertaken through NHIDCL. Maintenance work on the Champaknagar-Nalgaria Railway Bridge stretch of NH-08 is currently in progress. The stretch between Nalgaria Railway Bridge and ISBT Chandrapur will be taken up by PWD (R&B).
Maintenance activities are also underway on several important highways, including Khowai-Agartala (NH-108B), Khowai-Kailashahar (NH-208) and Churaibari-Agartala (NH-08).
Officials said road maintenance activities across the state have been affected by early rainfall since March 2026. The continuous and premature rains have contributed to the development of potholes and deterioration of road surfaces at several locations. However, Gitte clarified that sufficient funds are available with the department for carrying out the required road maintenance works.
With Durga Puja approaching, the PWD has been instructed to give special attention to roads that provide access to important public facilities and major gathering points. Particular priority has been recommended for roads connecting district headquarters, sub-divisional headquarters, bus stands, railway stations, hospitals and major Puja pandals.
The Chief Minister’s directive comes at a time when road connectivity is expected to face increased pressure during the festive season, when large numbers of people travel between towns, subdivisions and rural areas.
To ensure proper execution and quality control, the PWD has instructed Superintending Engineers, Executive Engineers, Assistant Engineers and Junior Engineers to conduct frequent field inspections of road maintenance works.
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The officials will monitor the quality and progress of repairs and ensure that identified road stretches are completed within the stipulated deadline.
The administration’s focus is now on completing the targeted works by September 30 so that roads across Tripura remain safer and more accessible during Durga Puja. The emphasis on quality control is also aimed at ensuring that repaired roads can withstand increased traffic and adverse weather conditions during the festive period.
