With Durga Puja celebrations in full swing, the festive spirit of thousands of people across Tripura has been dampened by the poor state of road infrastructure. Despite repeated demands from the public, the Public Works Department (PWD) has failed to carry out urgent repairs before the biggest festival of the state.
Several major routes, including Kamalpur to Agartala via Khowai, Bishramganj to Takarjala, Ambassa to Gandachara, Amarpur to Gandachara, Amarpur to Jatanbari, Raishyabari, and Udaipur to Amarpur, remain in broken and unsafe condition. Commuters complain that pothole-ridden roads have turned travel into a nightmare, overshadowing the festive atmosphere.
In contrast, certain stretches in Agartala city under the Smart City project witnessed partial repairs, but mofussil and inter-district roads continue to be neglected. For many, the long-awaited festivities have been marred by the struggle of navigating unsafe roads, making what should be joyous journeys stressful and time-consuming.
What has further surprised the public is that PWD Secretary Kiran Kumar Gitte had earlier issued clear instructions to all district PWD offices to repair dilapidated roads before Puja. The Secretary himself inspected the Khowai road along with senior officials from the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI), where officials promised at least temporary repairs before the festival. However, despite these assurances, no substantial work has been carried out.
Locals highlighted that the Kamalpur–Khowai–Agartala route has become so dilapidated that a journey of one hour now takes more than two. Residents also allege that the quality of national highway construction is so poor that roads deteriorate within a year of being built, forcing travelers to face repeated hardships.
The Bishramganj–Takarjala stretch is another glaring example. Travelers report encountering broken patches and deep potholes every few meters, making it extremely risky to drive, especially with the increased traffic flow during the festival season.
Ironically, while the administration has issued strict directions to Puja Committees to ensure public safety, secure clearances, and protect roads from damage during lighting installations, the authorities themselves have failed to ensure basic road safety before Durga Puja.
Commuters and local residents are now demanding urgent intervention from the state government and NHAI to initiate immediate repairs and implement long-term road strengthening measures. Without timely action, the poor road connectivity threatens not only public convenience but also the safety of thousands of people traveling during the festive season.