AGARTALA, August 22 (TIWN): Landslides, accidents, vehicles movement stranded in road for long hours, ditches and pot holes is all that visible in NH-44 in this age of so called ‘Golden Era’.The national highways in the state meant for smooth flow of traffic have become synonymous with frequent jams and accidents thanks to the tussle between public works department (PWD) and the ministry of road transport and highways (MORTH) over the maintenance of these highways.The condition of National Highway has worsened after it was handed over to the State PWD by NHAI, which raised hopes among the commuters that their troubles would meet an end. But their hopes went to vein as the condition of the NH-44 is getting worse day by day. After taking over the charge of maintenance of NH-44 the PWD is not working up to the mark.After the Ministry of Road Transport and Highway (MORTH) handed over development and maintenance of 104 km of the Assam Agartala National Highway (NH-44) to the PWD from Border Roads Organization (BRO) in July 16th, 2013, the condition of the NH-44 is getting worse day-by-day due to negligence of PWD. And the CPI (M) party fund is increasing day by day by with embezzlement of the funds provided by the Central Government for maintenance of NH-44.It is to be mentioned here that, when the maintenance work of NH-44 was under Border Roads Organization (BRO) the maintenance work was progressing in a rapid speed. But since, after the PWD got the opportunity the maintenance work of NH-44 has merely stopped. It is alleged that PWD and some Melarmath big brains are on a race to embezzle the funds provided by the central government for the welfare of the state.

Recently, Incessant rain triggered landslips on various part of the national highway 44 stranding the vehicular movement for more than hours at Assam Churraebari Zero point to a stretch of 12 KM.  Almost 12 KM of the road is fully equipped with pot holes and ditches.

Even the vehicular movement at 42 Mile and 43 Mile area of Atharamura for about 2 hours after land slipped in the area following the incessant rain over past few days.

However, the debris was removed by the CRPF jawans when they went out on their duty at National Highway. The NH-44, which is considered to be the life line of the state, is left in a dilapidated condition and the authority is busy in deep yawning siesta.  

Frequent disruption of vehicular movement, seasonal landslides and alarmingly high rates of tragic accidents that claims scores of live  have become the regular issue of the day, but so far none of the authorities responsible for the day-to-day upkeep of the arterial road have come to the rescue of the commuters.

Questioned arises against the role of the PWD department who is playing the role of a silent spectator.