BY TC News Desk
Agartala, 18th June 2025: Despite repeated public grievances and media reports, the construction of the Melaghar to Srimantapur road in Sonamura continues to draw flak for alleged poor quality and prolonged delays. The 13.5-kilometre stretch overseen by Satish Prasad Construction Company has been under development for over three and a half years, yet progress remains sluggish and accountability elusive.
In a move that further fueled controversy, construction work resumed under heavy rainfall near the Rabindranagar Brick Factory last night. Locals protested the bitumen-laying activity, questioning its durability under such conditions. However, their concerns were brushed aside as the company persisted with the work. The project is reportedly valued at ₹111 crore and is being executed under the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL).
Residents allege that the work often takes place covertly during nighttime, without adequate supervision from administrative authorities. “Even the presence of the project manager and local police failed to halt last night’s operations,” said a resident who witnessed the incident.
The road in question is part of a larger corridor extending from Matabari in Udaipur to the Srimantapur land port. While various sections have seen incremental development, the segment between the Melaghar petrol pump and the Indo-Bangla border remains particularly slow, raising doubts about project transparency and enforcement.
Repeated appeals to relevant authorities have reportedly failed to yield corrective measures, leaving citizens frustrated and infrastructure in limbo.
