Agartala, 9th July 2026: The heart of Dharmanagar, the district headquarters of North Tripura, is reeling under the deplorable condition of its roads, which residents describe as “death traps.” From the main thoroughfares to vital connecting routes, large potholes have turned daily commuting into a nightmare, exposing the stark contrast between official claims of development and the grim reality on the ground.
Thousands of people traverse these central roads every day, yet broken surfaces and deep craters—often filled with water during rains—make walking or driving akin to a battle. Students, elderly citizens, patients rushing to hospitals, and office-goers face constant risks, with minor accidents becoming routine.
Public anger has intensified, with fingers pointed at the Public Works Department (PWD) for negligence. Allegations of long-standing irregularities and financial scandals involving both the district hospital and the PWD have further eroded trust. Critics argue that poor planning and lack of timely road repairs by the department have directly led to the current crisis.
Local traders complain that the dilapidated roads obstruct goods transport, hurting the economy. Dust pollution and foul-smelling stagnant water have also raised serious public health concerns. Residents lament that despite the situation unfolding in full view of the administration, authorities remain indifferent.
Civic groups and conscious citizens are demanding urgent intervention. They insist that higher authorities must investigate the lapses and initiate immediate repair work to prevent major accidents. Until then, Dharmanagar’s roads remain a dangerous ordeal for its people.
