NH-27 link road in Basistha remains in poor condition with potholes, dust and waterlogging affecting commuters
The road connecting National Highway 27 with Patarkuchi and nearby areas of Basistha through the Tripura Road service lane intersection continues to remain in a severely damaged condition despite rapid urban growth in the locality over recent years.
Once known for truck parking and coal yards, the area has witnessed the rise of multiple residential complexes and ongoing high-rise construction projects. However, the approximately 500–700 metre stretch linking the locality to NH-27 remains incomplete and deteriorated.
Residents said the road becomes muddy and waterlogged during rains, while in dry weather it turns extremely dusty, causing daily inconvenience to commuters and residents.
“When it rains, the road is fully filled with mud. During winter, it is covered with dust. We face considerable amount of discomfort walking this stretch of road, especially while taking our children to or from school,” a woman told GPlus.
“It will be good for us if this patch of road is paved by the government,” she added.
A resident of Shreeja Paradise, a newly built residential complex, said heavy truck movement has worsened the road condition.
“During monsoon season, several large holes get developed on the road filled with water. Many people use this road for regular commute. Besides, large trucks and dumpers also ply on this road. We the residents of this locality want this road to be constructed soon,” he said.
The resident, who has been living in the locality since 2019, also urged authorities to regulate the movement of heavy vehicles.
Another resident, Sajal Das, said coal-laden trucks are one of the main reasons behind the road’s deterioration and hoped the government would soon rebuild the stretch. “The movement of coal-laden trucks is a major reason for the road’s condition and expressed hope that the government would take up reconstruction soon,” he said.
Several residents also said school-going children are among the worst affected.
“We have been staying here for the past 2 months. We are facing problems every day. Two of our sons and my daughter, who is going to school now, have to take this road. During rainy season, there is lot of waterlogging, and during sunny days there’s dust. It’s very difficult for us,” a woman said.
“We are requesting the government again to make the road as soon as possible,” she added.
Another resident said potholes have become so severe that it is difficult to identify the actual road.
“Ever since we came to this place, we have witnessed this pathetic condition of this road – filled with potholes. At times it gets difficult to figure out the actual road from the potholes,” she said.
She added that school buses often avoid the stretch because of its condition.
A youth from Panjabari also shared his experience, saying the road gets waterlogged even after light rainfall and appealed to authorities to improve infrastructure.
“I request the new government to build more roads and control price rise for the larger good of the public,” he said.
Another long-time resident alleged that only temporary repairs are carried out after repeated complaints from locals.
“People are facing tremendous difficulties here. Roads and drains are in shambles. There’s no proper outlet for rainwater. I have been experiencing these issues for the past 20-25 years. When we raise complaints, the authorities as a temporary measure sometimes put some stone dust and gravel,” he said.
The road connects NH-27 with Patarkuchi, Bakarapara, Pilangkata, Maikhuli and nearby parts of Basistha. Residents said traffic has increased significantly after the National Highway service lane was blocked due to drain construction and other works.
For nearly a year, the road has remained incomplete. During dry weather, dust and uneven surfaces create problems for commuters, while even light rain causes sludge and waterlogging due to poor drainage.
Locals fear the situation may worsen further once the monsoon intensifies.
Business owners in the area also said poor road conditions are affecting customer movement and deliveries.
A barber, who has been running his shop in the locality for around 20 years, said rainwater often enters his shop during monsoon.
“Whenever it rains, water enters our shop,” he said, adding that customers struggle to reach his establishment during bad weather.
“My appeal to the new government is that this road should be constructed soon,” he added.
Another shopkeeper said dust from the damaged road has reduced customer footfall and created daily problems for businesses.
“People are increasingly using this road since the service lane was blocked,” he said. “We are tired of constantly wiping dust off our shop shelves.”
A motorist who has been using the road for over a decade said residents continue to suffer due to lack of development.
“We face issues taking our wards to schools. I don’t remember authorities carrying out any developmental work in this area in all these years,” he said.
A three-wheeler goods vehicle driver said he now avoids using the road whenever possible.
“From time to time, we see some temporary repairs, but what we need is a permanent solution,” he said.
When contacted by GPlus, Ward No. 45 councillor Madhabi Talukdar said both the Chief Minister and local MLA Pradyut Bordoloi are aware of the issue.
“I have already submitted a list of roads that need construction to our new MLA, and this particular stretch is at the top of my agenda,” she said.
The councillor added that such projects require large funding allocations and cannot be completed through ward-level funds alone.
“So far, in my four-year tenure, I have been able to complete the construction of 19 by-lanes in my area,” she said, expressing hope that the road would soon be rebuilt.
Despite repeated complaints and growing traffic pressure, no timeline has yet been announced for permanent repair or reconstruction of the road.