Nagaon, Jul 27 : Landslides coupled with lack of maintenance have cut off road link between Haflong and Silchar.
The situation became worse after a few spells of heavy rainfall during the past week.
The 140-km route connecting Dima Hasao district with neighbouring Cachar was part of National Highway 54 (extension) till it was handed over to the National Highways Authority of India in 2006.
Only vehicles such as trucks, which are equipped to run on such road condition, are allowed to ply on the route
According to Dima Hasao district PWD department source, the present condition of this stretch is because of landslides at three different points between Haflong and Retzol.
However, steps are been taken to repair the area as early as possible, he added.
“We had engaged six construction companies in the construction of the East-West corridor. The maintenance work between Lumding and Harangajao was also entrusted to these companies. Unfortunately, five of these companies had left without completing the work. We have Rs 21 crore to repair the route and so we have entrusted the work to the local PWD,” a NHAI source said.
Twelve wooden bridges were so far upgraded to iron bridges on the road but the remaining work was stalled after monsoon set in.
“We hope to repair the road within September,” said PWD Maibong division executive engineer Ratneswar Saikia.
“Nobody can tell that is a road. In some parts of Redzol, it looks like a water body. Who could dare to ply a vehicle through this route at the risk of life?” asked Gobin Thausan, a bus driver.
Dima Hasao district chief executive member Debajeet Thausan said, “We are pressing Dispur for some concrete steps. Recently, we meet the NHAI officials in Guwahati to discuss the matter as the road link is almost cut off and it has created unprecedented problems.”
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