AGARTALA, July 18 (TIWN): Incessant rain over past 48 hours turned Lowerpoa section more critical blocking the movement of vehicles in Lowerpoa to Churraebari section as mud slides have turned the road immovable. The so called renovation which had started few days is stopped as renovation of NH44 is not possible during the rains and this rain for last 48 hours had turned the road into a muddy heap. NH 44(8) still continues to pose threat for travelling to the common people. Day by day rather than improving the condition of the road, it is worsening. Inclement weather and improper management of National Highway44 from Churaebari to Lowepoa is in pathetic condition over past one month and the department is reluctant to take any step.The condition of the NH44(8) has worsened from earlier and is now in poor condition.

National Highway 44(8), the only road connectivity that connects the mainland India with the eastern part of Meghalaya, Barak Valley in Assam, Manipur, Mizoram and Tripura has for a long time now remained in a dilapidated condition posing a threat to the helpless commuters.

Traffic jam, accidents are happening regularly in the road due to its poor shape and allegedly, the condition of the NH-44(8) is worsening day-by-day due to negligence of PWD and the agencies assigned by the department. The condition of the NH- 44(8) is in such a bad shape in some spots, it could be snap at anytime, the source added.

The condition of road has been gradually decreasing over the last few years. On main roads like at Agartala and the national highway passing through the city, potholes are very common.

The situation is no better in the NH44(8) where development works have taken a backseat. The road has been left completely neglected, and roads here have not been repaired for months despite repeated demands. The long stretch road from Churaebari to Lowerpoa is full of potholes.

There is no respite for city residents who were encountering problems because of potholes, and half-repaired roads in residential areas and in arterial roads.

With the city witnessing heavy rain in the last one week, most of the roads turn slushy with road users, especially two-wheelers and pedestrians in the road.

It is said that NH44(8) is the most critical highway for travelling. Politics, lack of maintenance and reluctant attitude has lead to the poor condition in the state.

The poor condition of the NH44(8) has lead to endless sufferings for the state people. Starting from transportation problem, now the people are facing the threat of price hike in the state. Although lately, the state govt. has opened an alternative way of NH-44(8) by which goods may be exported and imported but the same alternative road has also beak down due to over load. Since last many days’ goods had been found rotten on Assam-Agartala road, as vehicles were stranded along the NH-44(8).