By TC News Desk
Agartala, 25th February 2025: Residents of the Chitagang Basti area in Kumarghat have intensified their demands for the construction of an over-bridge over the railway line that divides their villages. Frustration and anger are mounting as authorities have failed to take action despite numerous requests.
The villages of Chitagang Basti and Chakma Basti are located some distance from Kumarghat subdivision town. For many years, communication between these villages was seamless, allowing residents to move freely and cultivate their lands. However, the construction of a railway line in the 21st century to establish rail communication up to Agartala has now become a barrier, disrupting their lives.
Rupan Dey, a resident of the area expressed his concerns: “Thousands of people travel on this road every day. It’s our only means of transportation. Many villagers and domestic animals have lost their lives while crossing the railway line. These accidents could have been avoided if an over-bridge had been built.”
Anju Dey, another resident highlighted the impact on their livelihood: “Most of us earn our living through betel cultivation. Since there is no betel cultivation in the hilly areas, we have to cross the railway line to cultivate betel and rice in other villages. The lack of an over-bridge has led to constant accidents, and with the introduction of electric trains, we fear the situation will worsen.”
Govinda Dey, a long-time resident shared a tragic story: “The railway line has forever affected our rural communication. My grandfather lost his life crossing this road, and several cows have died. We have repeatedly appealed to the authorities to construct an over-bridge, but no one has responded. The number of accidents is increasing, and we don’t want more deaths.”
Recently, five cows were killed in a train accident on the same road, causing significant financial losses to the owners. The villagers are now questioning the authorities’ inaction and demand immediate construction of an over-bridge to prevent further tragedies.
“The delay in constructing the over-bridge is unacceptable. We have suffered enough. When will the people of Chitagang Basti get their over-bridge? This is the question lingering in our minds,” said another villager.
