Agartala, 22nd June 2026: A five-member delegation of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) met Tripura Government Secretary Kiran Gitte at the Secretariat on Monday, pressing for immediate corrective measures regarding ongoing infrastructure works along the Assam–Agartala National Highway.
The delegation, led by CPI(M) Central Committee member and former Transport Minister Manik Dey, included senior leaders Radhacharan Debbarma, Madhusudan Das, Subhash Das, and Tapan Das.
During the meeting, the leaders raised multiple concerns over the execution of ongoing highway projects and their impact on local communities, businesses, and daily movement.
A key issue highlighted was the construction of an overbridge at Champaknagar Bazaar under Jirania subdivision in West Tripura. The delegation argued that the current design effectively divides the historic market into two parts, severely disrupting commercial activity and pedestrian movement. They cautioned that the project, in its present form, could lead to significant economic losses for traders and inconvenience for residents, and demanded a more practical redesign, including options such as a bypass alignment or a pillar-based structure to avoid splitting the market area.
They also noted that traders and residents had earlier staged protests, including road blockades and market shutdowns, opposing the present construction approach.
Another major concern raised was the absence of a proper drainage system along a 3.5-km stretch between Sadhupara and Champaknagar West Market. Radhacharan Debbarma pointed out that the lack of drainage on both sides of the highway has led to severe waterlogging, causing damage to homes, agricultural land, vegetable cultivation, and local businesses, affecting a large number of residents.
The delegation further stated that although drainage work had begun at several points along the highway, it has since stalled and needs urgent completion. They also called for the construction of large covered drains on both sides of the highway for long-term water management.
To address growing traffic congestion on the corridor, Manik Dey proposed a flyover from Khowai CNG point to the Atharabhola West area. He recalled that a similar proposal had earlier been submitted to the Central Government during the Left Front regime but had not been implemented.
The delegation urged the state administration to take renewed steps to expedite infrastructure improvements, improve traffic flow, and minimize public hardship along the highway corridor.
