Agartala, 22nd August 2026 : The deplorable condition of National Highway-8 has raised fresh concerns among residents, traders and vehicle drivers in northern Tripura, with several stretches of the Assam-Agartala Highway becoming increasingly hazardous for daily commuters.
The road condition is particularly poor in and around Nabincherra, Sidongcherra, Kacharicherra and Panitila, along the route connecting Pecharthal and Panisagar with Kumarghat. Large potholes and damaged stretches have made travel difficult, forcing drivers and pedestrians to negotiate the highway with extreme caution.
The situation has severely affected traders and ordinary residents who depend on the highway for travelling to nearby markets and other destinations. School and college students, office-goers, daily wage earners and transport workers are among those facing difficulties every day.
Locals said the damaged road has remained a longstanding problem despite repeated demands for repair. Vehicle drivers have also expressed concern that attempts to avoid potholes can create dangerous situations, particularly when vehicles approach from opposite directions.
Reports earlier this year had also highlighted the deteriorating condition of NH-8 around Nabincherra, Kacharicherra and Sidongcherra, with potholes and water accumulation making several portions particularly risky during the monsoon.
The issue has assumed wider significance as NH-8 is a crucial road link connecting Tripura with the rest of the country. In July, Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha had written to Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari, seeking urgent intervention to restore NH-8 and other major highways and keep them motorable during the monsoon.
Meanwhile, residents of the affected areas have once again urged the authorities to undertake immediate and durable repair work. They said temporary measures would not be sufficient and demanded proper restoration of the highway to ensure safe movement of people and goods.
