Tura, Sep 11: The Achik Youth Movement for better Society (AYMBS) raised once again posed questions on what they called deplorable quality of road repairs undertaken on the Agia-Medhipara-Phulbari- Tura (AMPT) road that runs through the length of the plain belt of the district of West Garo Hills.
The complaint raised by the civil society group comes in the wake of another report on a section of the same road (Chibinang – Nidanpur) which was apparently very hastily prepared and washed off after a few bouts of rain.
AYBMS questioned the state of repair on the other sections, all of which apparently was to be undertaken under the vigilance of the High Court of Meghalaya following complaints on the extremely poor condition of AMPT road. While the road starting from Sign Board, near the border with Assam to Nidanpur has been recently restored through a World Bank loan, the other sections of the same road have turned into a nightmare for residents that use it.
What has compounded the situation is the fact that the ongoing construction of the Phulbari-Dhubri bridge, has meant the use of the road by extremely heavy vehicles – all of which has taken a toll on the condition and quick deterioration.
“The rapidly deteriorating condition of the AMPT Road necessitates urgent intervention by the concerned authorities. The heavy movement of overloaded lorries coupled with a lack of maintenance has resulted in a significant decline in the road’s quality. Despite attempts to repair the potholes and dilapidated portions using cement blocks, it has become evident that they are unable to withstand the weight of these overloaded vehicles,” stated president, Peterjob A Sangma.
Road repairs on the damaged sections of the road have been undertaken using concrete blocks, most of which have now been displaced with huge potholes making travel difficult for vehicles as well as pedestrians.
Peter added that the ongoing degradation of the road has begun to pose serious safety concerns for commuters as well as pedestrians – all of whom rely solely on the thoroughfare.
“The department concerned (PWD) needs to take immediate action to rectify the matter as timely maintenance and repairs are vital to ensure the well being of everyone. The urgency of the matter cannot be overemphasized,” felt Peter.
The AMPT road sees huge traffic on a daily basis due to it connecting vital towns of not only Meghalaya but also Assam. Huge lorries carrying goods and machineries can be seen using the road, most of which are beyond the capacity of the road itself. However due to a lack of alternatives, the road continues to be used to move passengers as well as goods.