AGARTALA, June 14 (TIWN): Pre-monsoon for the year 2015 delayed the repairing of NH44 road, says PWD Chief Engineer Sunil Bhowmik to TIWN correspondent on Sunday. The deplorable condition of National Highway 44, the only road connectivity that links mainland India with the eastern part of Meghalaya, Barak Valley in Assam, Manipur, Mizoram and Tripura has for a long time now remained a harrowing experience for helpless commuters. Talking to TIWN reporter, PWD chief engineer Sunil Bhowmik stated that early monsoon has disrupted the repairing work of the road and has resulted to the terrible condition of the NH44. Now question arise, what has the department done for the past five months regarding the repairing of the road in different section. It is to be mention here that if the concerned department would have taken the necessary measures for the repairing of the road prior to the arrival of monsoon the situation could have been much improved. A vast number of commuters and drivers of the vehicles including night supers and goods carrying trucks are facing several problems due to poor condition of National Highway NH-44. The present road turned from its original shape to muddy and is flooded with water as incessant rainfall has clogged the roads resulting traffic jams and irregularities of transpiration. Unfortunately, commuters have no option but to travel through this long stretch of jumping road full of potholes and boulders, at times risking their own life, while on other occasions, putting their lives and safety in the hands of the driver.

The bad road condition also poses tremendous dangers to pedestrians and villagers who live on either side of the highway. On many occasions, pedestrians have reportedly been injured with stone chips hitting them, as vehicles pass by.

Allegedly, the condition of the NH-44 is worsening day-by-day due to negligence of PWD and the agencies assigned by the department. The condition of the NH- 44 is in such a bad shape in some spots, it could be snapped at anytime", the source added.

Reportedly, due to poor quality construction of over NH44, a vast number of potholes have been created following the incessant rain in the area. According to a section of lorry drivers, they have no option but to travel through the long stretch of National Highway with full of potholes and boulders.

However, PWD Chief Engineer Sunil Bhowmik further stated that more than 7 months is required for repairing the terrible condition of NH44 in the state and undoubtedly the sufferings of the commuters to continue for the months to come.