The Diphu–Hamren Road at Kheroni Charali has turned into a deadly trap, with massive potholes, accidents, and official neglect sparking outrage among locals. Residents demand urgent KAAC and PWD action before more lives are lost.
Diphu–Hamren Road at Kheroni Charali Turns Deadly: Residents Demand Urgent Action
Diphu–Hamren Road at Kheroni Charali has now become synonymous with danger. Once considered a vital lifeline connecting parts of West Karbi Anglong, Assam, this stretch of road has deteriorated so badly that locals are calling it a “death trap.” Residents say they have been appealing to the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC) and the Public Works Department (PWD) for years, but their pleas have largely fallen on deaf ears.
A Vital Link in Crisis
The Diphu–Hamren Road at Kheroni Charali serves thousands of commuters every day. It is the main route for transporting agricultural produce, students traveling to educational institutions, and emergency vehicles rushing patients to hospitals. Unfortunately, its current state has made it not just inconvenient but hazardous.
Locals report that over the past three years, the road surface has been eaten away by massive potholes. Heavy rainfall worsens the problem, turning sections into muddy pits that swallow vehicle tires. Trucks transporting goods often get stuck, causing long traffic jams that can last for hours.
Accidents Becoming Routine
According to eyewitnesses, minor accidents occur almost daily on the Diphu–Hamren Road at Kheroni Charali. Motorcyclists are particularly at risk. A recent incident saw a college student lose control of his bike after hitting a deep pothole; he was hospitalized with severe injuries. Locals claim that at least three fatal accidents have occurred here in the last six months.
Residents Slam KAAC and PWD Inaction
Frustration among residents has reached boiling point. Villagers accuse the KAAC and PWD of gross negligence. “We have given petitions, staged protests, and even invited officials to inspect the road,” says Ramesh Teron, a local shopkeeper. “They come, they take photos, they promise repairs, and then nothing happens.”
Many residents believe corruption is at the heart of the problem. They allege that funds allocated for road maintenance are either insufficient or mismanaged, leaving the Diphu–Hamren Road at Kheroni Charali in perpetual disrepair.
Economic Impact
The poor condition of the Diphu–Hamren Road at Kheroni Charali is also hurting the local economy. Farmers who depend on the road to take their produce to markets in Hamren and Diphu are facing severe losses. Transport costs have doubled as truck owners charge extra for the wear and tear on their vehicles.
Small businesses are struggling as customer footfall decreases. Tourists, who once used this route to visit scenic spots in the West Karbi Anglong region, are now avoiding it altogether.
Public Protests Gain Momentum
Over the past month, residents have organized multiple demonstrations at Kheroni Charali. Protesters have blocked traffic to draw attention to their plight, holding banners that read, “Fix Our Road, Save Our Lives.” Local youth organizations have joined the movement, amplifying the voices of the affected.
Despite these efforts, tangible government action has yet to materialize. Officials continue to cite budget constraints and bureaucratic hurdles as reasons for the delay.
The Safety Hazard for Schoolchildren
One of the most heartbreaking aspects of the crisis is the danger posed to schoolchildren. Many walk along or ride bicycles on the Diphu–Hamren Road at Kheroni Charali to reach their schools. During rainy days, these children are forced to wade through ankle-deep muddy water, with speeding vehicles adding to the risk.
Possible Solutions and Public Suggestions
Residents have not only been vocal about the problems but have also suggested practical solutions:
- Immediate patchwork to fill the deepest potholes.
- Deployment of traffic police to manage congestion during repairs.
- Long-term plan to fully resurface the road using durable materials.
- Transparent use of allocated funds with public oversight.
Local leaders have suggested a joint committee of residents, KAAC officials, and engineers to oversee the repair process and ensure accountability.
Political Silence and Public Distrust
The silence of elected representatives has deepened public distrust. As elections approach, residents warn that road repair will be a key issue. “We are tired of empty promises,” says protester Mary Terang. “This time, we will vote for those who fix this road, not those who talk about it.”
Impact on Emergency Services
Emergency vehicles like ambulances are facing severe delays. In critical cases, these delays can mean the difference between life and death. One local doctor reported that a pregnant woman had to be carried on a makeshift stretcher for nearly a kilometer because the ambulance couldn’t navigate the potholes on the Diphu–Hamren Road at Kheroni Charali.
Weather Worsens the Situation
The monsoon season has compounded the issue. Poor drainage along the road causes water to collect in potholes, hiding their depth from unsuspecting drivers. When vehicles hit these invisible traps, tires burst, axles break, and accidents happen.
Call for Immediate Intervention
Residents, NGOs, and even some local officials are calling for the Assam government to step in directly. They argue that waiting for the KAAC and PWD to act could cost more lives. Social media campaigns under hashtags like #SaveDiphuHamrenRoad are gaining traction, putting additional pressure on authorities.
The Road Ahead
The Diphu–Hamren Road at Kheroni Charali crisis is more than just a story about a damaged road—it’s about governance, accountability, and the safety of ordinary citizens. The longer the inaction continues, the greater the risk to lives, livelihoods, and public trust in institutions.
If urgent repairs are not initiated, this stretch could soon become a symbol of official neglect in Assam. For now, the residents of Kheroni Charali continue their fight, hoping that their voices will finally lead to real change.
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