Guwahati, July 4: In view of frequent disruption of road communication between Barak Valley and the rest of Assam, Trinamool Congress leader and Rajya Sabha MP, Sushmita Dev has urged the Central government to consider establishing an alternative route for the East West Corridor from Silchar to Haflong, which could potentially mitigate the impact of such disruptions and ensure better connectivity for the region.
In a letter to Union Minister for road transport and highways, Nitin Gadkari, Dev highlighted the proposed alternative route via Silchar Poliapool-Kumarcherra-Jilom-Mahur-Lanka (Mahasadak) as a solution to the road communication issues caused by landslides at Sonapur.
Dev mentioned that this road already exists and that the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) sanctioned it in 2021. The Detailed Project Report (DPR) has been prepared and sent to the Assam PWD (NH) Division, indicating that the groundwork for this alternative route is already underway.
“As a consequence, the Central government wrote to state PWD to hand over the land during that time but till date, no initiative has been taken by the state government. This alternative route can answer to the problem being faced by the 31 km between Silchar and Haflong,” Dev said.
“I would request appropriate action so that the projects are completed on a war footing. While the government repeatedly speaks about the vision of the government to improve the connectivity of the Northeast, these projects have faced inordinate delay causing severe hardship to remote areas of Assam,”Dev also said.
Dev highlighted the longstanding demand for completing the Silchar-Sourashtra Mahasadak (East West Corridor) project in Southern Assam.
She specifically mentioned the Balacherra to Harangjao section, which spans 31 km and remains incomplete despite involvement from NHAI and subsequently NHIDCL. The project’s delay has left the road in a poor condition, underscoring the challenges and frustrations faced by local residents and travellers relying on this route.
“The present condition of this road stretch is worse. Road communication between Silchar and Haflong is a nightmare. Vehicular traffic is moving at huge risk due to the bad condition of the road. The other part of the road which was completed is also very badly maintained. Due to landslides in various places, the road is in a very bad condition and unfit for vehicular movement,” she also said.
The TMC MP further highlighted the severe impact of monsoon seasons on communication in Barak Valley, emphasizing how landslides on roadways and railways frequently strand commuters. She pointed out that NH-6 from Silchar to Guwahati via Meghalaya suffers greatly, particularly the sections from Badarpur to Jowai and Malidor to Sonapur (Lumsulung), which becomes impassable due to severe landslides. This recurring issue has become a significant challenge for transportation in the region during the monsoon months.
The MP further has pointed out the poor condition of the NH road from Capital Point to Sonabarighat in Silchar town, citing significant issues such as large potholes that are causing severe difficulties for residents. Despite protests and efforts by local people and her party, she mentions that there has been no response regarding road maintenance. She emphasized the urgent need for immediate improvement of this vital road, crucial for the smooth functioning and mobility within Silchar town.
“These projects are the lifeline of the people of Southern Assam region in respect of surface communication and special emphasis must be given to these projects for an early competition,” she added.
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