SHILLONG: Concerned over the recent bus tragedy at Sonapur area of East Jaintia Hills District which claimed 29 lives, the State unit of the BJP has demanded a White Paper from the State Government on the maintenance of NH-44.
In a statement issued here on Sunday, the BJP said that the June 14 accident and many more which occurred recently are attributed largely to the dilapidated condition of the NH-44 which has been neglected by the State PWD.
The PWD has not undertaken repair and maintenance of the Khliehriat-Sonapur stretch of the national highway, the BJP added. Last week, after facing flak from various quarters, PWD Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar had assured to carry out a spot inspection of NH 44 in July.
According to Dhar, though the NH-44 does not fall under State PWD as it is manned by NHAI, he would still assess the ground reality during his visit.
The minister also admitted that several stretches at NH-44 are in bad shape and wanted the NHAI to repair the worst portions of the road at the earliest.
Dhar said that the work for the completion of the road started three months ago and it will take some more time to complete the entire Jowai-Malidor project.
