Member of Parliament (MP) Biplab Kumar Deb met with Union Minister Nitin Gadkari on Monday to discuss the crucial issue of the upkeep and maintenance of the Assam-Agartala National Highway (NH-8). The meeting, held in New Delhi, was focused on ensuring the continued viability and smooth operation of one of the most vital routes connecting Tripura with the rest of India. During the meeting, Gadkari assured Deb that the Centre would take necessary measures to address the issues affecting the highway, which is essential for both economic and social connectivity.
The Assam-Agartala National Highway has been a lifeline for the people of Tripura, facilitating the transportation of goods, services, and people between the state and the rest of the country. It is one of the key routes that help sustain the region’s economy by connecting Tripura with Assam and other parts of the Northeast. However, over the years, the highway has faced challenges related to its maintenance. Various sections of the road have deteriorated, leading to frequent disruptions in transportation and causing significant hardship for commuters and businesses alike.
During his meeting with Gadkari, MP Biplab Kumar Deb raised concerns about the dilapidated condition of certain stretches of the highway, which have become prone to accidents and traffic congestion. The highway, despite its strategic importance, has not been receiving adequate attention in terms of regular maintenance and repair work. Deb stressed that the prolonged neglect of the road had affected the daily lives of the people of Tripura, especially those relying on the highway for trade and business.
In response, Gadkari assured the MP that the government was aware of the situation and had already taken steps to resolve the issue. He explained that the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) had prioritized the maintenance and upgrading of national highways in the Northeast. Gadkari emphasized that the Assam-Agartala National Highway was on the government’s radar and that plans were being formulated to improve its condition. He acknowledged the critical role the highway played in enhancing the region’s economic development and assured Deb that the Centre would work in close coordination with the state government to ensure the smooth upkeep of the highway.
Deb also urged Gadkari to expedite the process of road repair and to ensure that construction work did not disrupt the daily movement of people and goods. He expressed concern about the delays in roadwork, which had been causing inconvenience to commuters and affecting local businesses. Gadkari assured him that efforts would be made to carry out maintenance work without causing unnecessary disruptions.
The Assam-Agartala National Highway, also known as NH-8, is a 190-kilometer-long stretch that connects Assam to Agartala, the capital of Tripura. The highway is of immense importance not just for local transportation but also for the strategic connectivity of the region. The route is a vital part of the transportation infrastructure that facilitates the movement of essential goods like food, medicine, and fuel to Tripura, which otherwise has limited access to resources.
Given the growing demands of infrastructure development in the Northeast, the government has recently focused on improving road connectivity in the region. The Assam-Agartala National Highway’s upgrade is an essential component of this broader plan to boost connectivity between Tripura and neighboring states. Gadkari assured Deb that the government would also look into expanding the highway to accommodate growing traffic volumes and improve overall traffic management.
In addition to the road maintenance, Deb and Gadkari also discussed the potential for introducing modern road safety measures along the highway. With an increase in the number of vehicles using the route, there is a pressing need to install adequate signage, traffic control measures, and better lighting to reduce accidents. Both leaders agreed that these measures would be important for ensuring the safety of commuters and preventing fatalities on the road.
The meeting between MP Biplab Kumar Deb and Union Minister Nitin Gadkari marks a positive step toward resolving the issues surrounding the Assam-Agartala National Highway. It also highlights the government’s commitment to improving infrastructure in the Northeast, which has long faced challenges in terms of connectivity. With assurances from the Centre and active coordination with the state government, the hope is that the condition of the highway will soon improve, benefiting the people of Tripura and the entire region.
As the discussion continued, MP Biplab Kumar Deb also highlighted the growing traffic congestion along the Assam-Agartala National Highway, especially during peak seasons. This has become an increasing concern as the number of vehicles on the road continues to rise, both due to the growing population of Tripura and the increasing economic activities within the state. He pointed out that there was a dire need for expanding the highway in key sections to cater to the surging traffic and ensure smoother and faster travel for all commuters.
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari acknowledged the concerns raised by Deb and assured him that the government was committed to addressing the traffic congestion issue. He mentioned that the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways was already in the process of planning the expansion of NH-8. Gadkari emphasized that the government’s priority was to ensure not just the maintenance of the road but also its modernization, making it capable of handling higher volumes of traffic while maintaining the highest standards of safety.
Another aspect of the discussion focused on the timely completion of the roadwork. Both Deb and Gadkari expressed concern about the delays faced in certain sections of the highway, which had contributed to the poor condition of the road. Gadkari reiterated that the government was actively working on streamlining the approval processes and minimizing bureaucratic delays to ensure that critical infrastructure projects like the Assam-Agartala National Highway are completed on time. He further assured that measures would be taken to improve coordination between various agencies involved in the project to avoid any further delays.
In addition to the roadwork, the discussion also touched upon the importance of maintaining the environmental balance during the highway’s upgrades. Deb raised the concern of ensuring that the expansion and maintenance work would not harm the state’s natural resources, particularly the eco-sensitive areas along the highway. Gadkari reassured him that the government was committed to sustainable development and would ensure that the environmental impact of any project was carefully monitored.
As the meeting concluded, both leaders agreed on the urgency of addressing the issues plaguing the Assam-Agartala National Highway. The commitment shown by the Union Minister to work in tandem with the state government was a positive sign for the residents of Tripura, who have long struggled with the challenges posed by poor road infrastructure. Deb also expressed his confidence that with the Centre’s focus on improving the Northeast’s infrastructure, the state of Tripura would see tangible benefits in terms of connectivity, economic growth, and overall development.
The promise of timely and effective action on the Assam-Agartala National Highway gives hope to many businesses in Tripura that rely on efficient transportation to move goods and services across the state. It also offers reassurance to daily commuters who have long faced the inconvenience of pothole-filled roads and slow-moving traffic. With the government’s renewed focus, the hope is that Tripura’s road network, especially NH-8, will soon be better equipped to meet the needs of the state’s growing population and thriving economy.
The successful collaboration between MP Biplab Kumar Deb and Union Minister Nitin Gadkari highlights the importance of proactive dialogue between state and central governments. Such discussions pave the way for sustainable, long-term solutions that will enhance the region’s infrastructure while improving the quality of life for the people of Tripura.