Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha led a high-level meeting on August 8 in Agartala to evaluate the status of road maintenance projects throughout the state. This meeting was convened at the War Room of the Tripura Industrial Finance and Technology (TIFT) and involved senior officials from various departments, including the Public Works Department (PWD) and the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL). The Chief Minister directed that all ongoing works be wrapped up ahead of the upcoming Durga Puja festivities.

During the review, officials presented district-wise progress reports and proposed action plans aimed at completing the necessary road maintenance prior to the festival. The Chief Minister emphasised the urgency of these projects, advocating for the acceleration of ongoing maintenance efforts while ensuring adherence to strict quality standards.

Saha highlighted the importance of smooth travel and connectivity, especially considering the challenges posed by the monsoon season. It was made clear that the targeted completion of all road works should align with the public’s needs and the impending increase in traffic due to the festive season.

Follow-Up Meeting Addresses Maintenance Status

A follow-up meeting occurred on August 10, chaired by the PWD Secretary, at the Secretariat Conference Hall. The focus of this meeting was to provide an update on the progress of road maintenance tasks across Tripura. Reports indicated that the PWD (Roads & Buildings) plans to maintain 1,006 roads over a total stretch of 1,622 km, with a completion goal set for September 30.

In parallel, the PWD under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) aims to complete maintenance on 119 roads totalling 665 km by the same deadline. Additionally, the maintenance initiative for 32 roads, covering 377 km under PWD (National Highways), is also set for completion by September 30.

Among the significant roads undergoing maintenance as reported by NHIDCL are several key stretches, including the 16-km Champaknagar-Nalgaria Railway Bridge section of NH-08 and the 38-km Khowai-Agartala segment of NH-108B. Other stretches include the 80.2-km Khowai-Kailashahar route on NH-208 and the 105.90-km Churaibari-Agartala section on NH-08.

Challenges and Prioritisation of Key Routes

Officials noted that the ongoing maintenance works have faced delays due to unexpected early rainfall beginning in March 2023, which caused the formation of potholes on numerous roads across the state. Despite these challenges, the PWD confirmed the availability of adequate funding to facilitate the necessary repairs.

The Secretary of the PWD has directed that specific attention be paid to roads that connect district headquarters, sub-divisional headquarters, railway stations, bus stands, hospitals, and significant Durga Puja pandals. This prioritisation is especially relevant given the anticipated increase in public movement during the upcoming celebrations.

To ensure effective monitoring, all Superintending Engineers, Executive Engineers, Assistant Engineers, and Junior Engineers have been instructed to conduct regular field inspections. These inspections will ensure that the quality of maintenance work meets required standards and that progress is on track. The state government remains committed to enhancing road infrastructure and ensuring safe and efficient connectivity for the residents of Tripura ahead of the festivities.

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