BY TC News Desk
Agartala, 6th February 2024: A major mishap took place on Tuesday morning when a large section of the retaining wall of the national highway project collapsed in Shantipalli area of Sonamura subdivision. The wall was part of the ongoing construction of the highway that connects Udaipur to Srimantpur border of Sonamura. The incident has sparked outrage among the local residents, who have accused the construction company of using substandard materials and methods.
According to sources, the wall collapsed around 10 am, creating a loud noise and a cloud of dust. Fortunately, no one was injured in the incident, as the area was deserted at that time. However, the collapse has exposed the poor quality of work done by the construction company, which was awarded the contract for the highway project by the central government.
The locals have alleged that the company has been cutting corners and compromising on the safety and durability of the road. They claimed that the company has not used enough cement and thick rods to reinforce the wall, which resulted in its collapse within 10 days of its construction. They also said that the company has not been watering the road regularly, as per the guidelines, to prevent dust pollution and erosion. The dust has caused respiratory problems and allergies among many people living in the vicinity of the road.
The locals have demanded that the authorities take strict action against the company and ensure that the road is built with high quality standards. They have also staged a protest at the site of the collapse, preventing the company officials from clearing the debris with bulldozers. They said that they will not allow the company to resume the work until their grievances are addressed.
The highway project, which is expected to cost around Rs. 500 crore, aims to improve the connectivity and trade between Tripura and Bangladesh. The project was inaugurated by the Prime Minister in January this year and is scheduled to be completed by December 2024. However, the progress of the work has been slow and marred by several issues, including land acquisition, environmental clearance, and quality control. The collapse of the wall has raised serious questions about the feasibility and viability of the project.
