Agartala, 10th August 2026: The Tripura Public Works Department (PWD) has launched a statewide road maintenance campaign, targeting completion of major repair works by September 30, ahead of Durga Puja. PWD Secretary Kiran Gitte said the initiative follows directions issued by Chief Minister Prof. Dr. Manik Saha during a review meeting on August 8.
Gitte said the department has identified 1,006 roads covering around 1,622 km for urgent maintenance. In addition, 119 PMGSY roads spanning 665 km have been found to be in poor condition and will also be repaired. The PWD National Highways division has identified 32 routes involving 377 road sections for maintenance.
The Secretary said responsibilities have been distributed among PWD Roads and Bridges, PMGSY, PWD National Highways and NHIDCL. Important stretches, including Khowai-Agartala, Khowai-Kailashahar, Churaibari-Agartala and Ambassa-Gandachara, will receive attention.
According to Gitte, prolonged rainfall since March disrupted the normal pre-monsoon maintenance period and caused extensive damage to blacktop roads. The department used cold-mix technology for emergency pothole filling during the rainy season.
He said funds have been sanctioned and a shortened seven-day tender process introduced to speed up execution. Engineers will conduct field inspections and consult residents to identify damaged sections.
Priority will be given to roads near district headquarters, bus stands, railway stations, hospitals, schools and Durga Puja venues.
Gitte estimated that the pre-Puja emergency repair programme would cost ₹150–200 crore, while the annual maintenance expenditure, including National Highways, is around ₹550–600 crore. Complete resurfacing will be undertaken after the monsoon when dry weather returns.
Appealing to residents, Gitte urged them to report damaged roads and bridges to the nearest PWD officials, assuring that complaints would be acted upon promptly.
