Tura, Oct 3: One of the busiest roads of the entire state of Meghalaya and Assam, the Agia- Medhipara-Phulbari-Tura (AMPT), has now become a part of people’s nightmares due to the quagmire that it has turned into.
The road, which begins near Agia in Assam’s Goalpara makes its way through almost the entire plain belt before ending in the town of Tura. While most of the road has become better in condition, the situation between the villages of Rajabala through Hallidayganj, Pipulbari up to Gonglanggre in West Garo Hills remains hellish and that too is putting it mildly.
As can be seen from the picture of just one stretch, the road has developed swimming pools by hundreds. In fact, it is hard to find any remnant of black topping that was earlier there – possibly about 5 years ago. Repairs on the road have not only been rare but also extremely slow. However, despite its condition, thousands of vehicles from Assam and Meghalaya use the road for the lack of an alternative.
“There is no road to speak of, just the thought of a road that we once used. Despite being so frequently used by lakhs of people of both states on a daily basis, the situation is pathetic for all of us. We have no clue as to when the department will wake up to the needs of the people and ensure we once again get a proper road to travel on,” said social activist Mostapha Kabir, a resident of the New Bhaitbari, near Rajabala.
Phulbari MLA, Abu Taher Mondal, had earlier raised the matter of the road’s condition, moving for it to be quickly turned into a National Highway in the hope that this will ensure proper roads for the lakhs of residents affected by the situation. He informed that the matter has been taken up with the PWD minister and Deputy CM, Prestone Tynsong, who are following up the matter for now. With the strategically and economically important Phulbari – Dhubri bridge a few years away from completion, ponds for roads will definitely not do.
Rajabala MLA, Dr Mizanur Kazi too had raised the question in the recently concluded Assembly session even going to the extent of calling the attitude to the problems of the area as step motherly.
For locals around the area, travel is straight out of the pages of hell.
“What can we say, even walking on these roads is hazardous, driving even more so. These roads are used by huge goods vehicles but the capacity is not there to support such heavy vehicles. In case of emergencies, literally everyone needs to pray while their loved ones are transported. In almost 30 kms between Rajabala to Garobadha, there is no respite even for 2 mins. You just keep holding on and dangling, even if seated,” felt another social activist, Nur Islam.
“Swimming is free in all these ponds unless a vehicle runs you over or topples on you. Further if you don’t like spending on massage sessions, please come here. We guarantee free massage sessions which may last upto 2 hours at a time. If you plan on coming during the winter, don’t bring your make-up kit. We have all the powder you will need,” said another resident, humorously.
What is interesting is that the repair of the road, as per locals, has been sanctioned but despite the gravity of the situation, the contractor given the repair work, has hardly made any move to repair the road. The department, despite the directive given by the High Court, has not really been pushy to repair the damage. The result – a road that is straight out a horror movie.