RCC drainage project for Santirbazar Bazar area approved under NH-08 development plan; MP Biplab thanks Nitin Gadkari

BY TC News Desk

Agartala, 20^th August 2025 :   A long-pending demand for improved drainage infrastructure in Santirbazar Bazar area has finally been addressed, with the proposal for constructing RCC drains on both sides of the market stretch now included in the Annual Development Plan for National Highway 8 (Udaipur–Sabroom section) for the financial year 2025–26.

The Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways has approved the project covering KM 82.090 to KM 82.840 of NH-08, alongside broader plans to expand and strengthen the highway corridor. The announcement was made earlier today by the Union Minister’s Office.

Reacting to the development, Member of Parliament and former Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb expressed his gratitude to Union Minister Nitin Gadkari via social media, stating:

“This is a big step in solving the long-standing water drainage problem in the Santirbazar area. I sincerely thank and appreciate Union Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari for responding positively to my request. If this project is implemented, the common people of the area will get a lot of relief.”

Deb had formally raised the issue in a letter dated July 1, urging the Centre to address the chronic waterlogging that disrupts daily life and commerce during the monsoon season. He emphasized the need for a planned and sustainable drainage system to mitigate flooding and improve mobility.

Local residents have long voiced concerns over the absence of proper drainage infrastructure, which leads to severe water accumulation on the roads, affecting both business operations and vehicular movement. With the project now greenlit, many are hopeful that the new drains will significantly ease the problem.

Community members welcomed the announcement, calling it a “relief” and a “positive step” toward resolving a persistent civic issue. Observers note that the inclusion of the project in the national development agenda reflects a coordinated effort between state and central leadership, potentially opening doors for future infrastructure upgrades in the region.

The Santirbazar RCC drainage initiative is expected to enhance resilience against seasonal flooding and improve overall connectivity along the NH-08 corridor.