Guwahati: Despite a relentless downpour, repair work on National Highway 37 has been progressing at a frantic pace, yet the project is failing to win over the hearts of the very people it aims to serve. Under the watchful eyes of the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) and following Minister Krishnendu Pal’s directives, the ongoing construction has instead become a lightning rod for local frustration.
Residents of Sribhumi town, tired of the perpetual state of disrepair, are vocally criticising the contractor’s alleged shoddy workmanship. They claim the fixes are merely cosmetic and will not solve the highway’s deep-rooted issues. The anger boiled over recently when locals staged a spontaneous demonstration at the worksite, pointing to obvious flaws in the quality of materials and execution.
For years, this critical artery connecting Sribhumi to the Sutarkandi border has been a nightmare for commuters, characterised by treacherous potholes and stretches that transform into veritable lakes during the monsoon. The deplorable state of the road has not only caused immense daily hardship but has also been a contributing factor in numerous accidents. The public’s exasperation is not new; the Congress party and various social organisations had previously spearheaded protests demanding immediate intervention. Minister Pal had responded with promises of a swift and lasting solution. Yet, locals now feel betrayed, asserting that the current repairs fall woefully short of those assurances.
With Durga Puja fast approaching, residents are making an impassioned plea to the minister, urging him to ensure the road is reconstructed properly rather than just patched up. They fear that temporary fixes will only lead to a repeat of the same problems, leaving them to face another year of hardship. An NSUI student leader echoed these sentiments, highlighting the years of suffering endured by everyone who uses the highway. He stressed that the authorities must prioritise the safety and long-term well-being of the public over a rushed, low-quality job. The demand is clear: a durable, safe road, not just a temporary reprieve from the current hazards.
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