Residents in Nalbari district are grappling with significant daily hardship due to the severely dilapidated condition of the Piplibari-Kakaya-Jagara-Goalpara connecting road. The crucial nearly 10-kilometre stretch, which sees heavy traffic, has deteriorated rapidly, leading to widespread public outcry and serious allegations of financial irregularities and poor construction quality.
Locals claim that despite funds being allocated for the road's maintenance, no substantial repair work has been observed on the ground. This alleged neglect has resulted in the formation of numerous large potholes and the peeling off of the bituminous surface in several sections, making daily commutes risky and inconvenient for all users.
The Piplibari-Kakaya-Jagara-Goalpara road project was initiated in 2021 and completed under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) at an approximate cost of Rs 5.10 crore. However, within a mere year and a half of its completion, the road began to show severe signs of wear and tear. Community members strongly suspect that the rapid degradation is a direct consequence of substandard materials being used during its construction, an issue they believe was overlooked during the tenure of the then Executive Engineer of the Nalbari District Territorial Road.
The current state of the road not only poses a significant safety hazard but also reflects a deeper concern among the populace regarding accountability in public infrastructure projects. Residents are now demanding an immediate investigation into the alleged misappropriation of funds and the quality of construction, urging authorities to undertake urgent and durable repairs to restore the vital connectivity.
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