Rajya Sabha MP from Tripura, Biplab Kumar Deb, met with Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari to discuss the deteriorating condition of the Assam-Agartala National Highway (NH-8). The meeting, held in New Delhi, highlights rising concerns over the road’s poor maintenance, which is affecting connectivity, trade, and daily life in Tripura.
MP Deb submitted a formal memorandum to Gadkari, stressing the urgent need for repair, maintenance, and timely completion of pending works on the highway. He urged the central government to treat the issue as a priority, given its critical role in the region’s economic and logistical framework.
A Road That Connects—and Constrains
The Assam-Agartala highway is a crucial lifeline that connects Tripura to the rest of India via Assam. As the primary route for transportation of essential goods, medical supplies, fuel, and passengers, any disruption or delay can have widespread consequences for the people of the state.
Currently, several stretches of NH-8, especially through Karimganj in Assam and North Tripura, have been reported to be in poor condition, riddled with potholes, waterlogging issues, and frequent traffic bottlenecks. The deteriorating state of the road has led to a surge in accidents and delays in goods movement, hampering trade and raising the cost of living.
Deb’s Development-Centric Appeal
Speaking after the meeting, MP Biplab Deb said, “The condition of the Assam-Agartala highway is a matter of deep concern for all of us in Tripura. I’ve urged Union Minister Nitin Gadkari ji to direct the concerned agencies to expedite repair works and ensure the highway remains operational and safe throughout the year.”
He further added that the condition of key stretches like Churaibari and Jirania is unacceptable for a national highway and called for enhanced coordination between central agencies, state governments, and contractors.
Deb also highlighted how poor road connectivity is affecting local businesses, farmers, and students, and underlined the need for durable and all-weather roads in this strategically important region.
Central Government’s Response
According to sources, Nitin Gadkari acknowledged the issues raised and assured MP Deb that the ministry would look into the matter with urgency. Gadkari emphasized the government’s continued focus on improving infrastructure in the Northeast under various central schemes and initiatives.
He also mentioned the possibility of deploying modern road-building technologies, such as precast concrete slabs and geosynthetics, in landslide-prone and flood-affected areas of the highway to ensure longer durability and reduced maintenance costs.
A Strategic Corridor
The Assam-Agartala National Highway is more than just a state route—it is a strategic corridor linking Tripura to the rest of India and opening avenues for cross-border trade with Bangladesh via the Agartala-Akhaura international link. With Tripura emerging as a gateway to Southeast Asia under India’s Act East Policy, maintaining this highway is vital for regional development and international connectivity.
Political and Public Implications
Biplab Deb, who remains a prominent political figure in Tripura even after his tenure as Chief Minister, has consistently advocated for infrastructure-driven development. His proactive steps to address issues in Parliament and directly with Union ministers reflect a commitment to the state’s long-term growth and the well-being of its people.
Public response to the initiative has been largely positive, with citizens and transport associations expressing hope that the central government will take swift action to restore the highway’s condition.
As infrastructure continues to be the backbone of development in the Northeast, sustained efforts like these from leaders such as MP Biplab Deb are crucial. The people of Tripura now look forward to tangible results—safer roads, faster travel, and smoother access to opportunities.