By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, July 31: State BJP vice president and Tura MDC, Bernard Marak, has strongly condemned the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) for the appalling condition of National Highway-51 (NH-51).
Marak described the highway as a “shame” and demanded immediate repair works to ensure the safety of travellers.
He also highlighted the deteriorating condition of the highway, citing numerous potholes and cracks that have reportedly worsened over the past few months.
The BJP leader criticised the authorities for neglecting the maintenance of the road, which, according to him, has resulted in a significant portion of the blacktopping being washed away during rainfall.
He rued how the poor quality of the road has led to the emergence of sand, gravel, and potholes, posing a significant danger to travellers. Marak expressed his disappointment that even the small motorable portions of the road have deteriorated to the extent that they resemble “19th-century roads.”
He attributed the deplorable condition to the awarding of contracts to “tainted companies” and the lack of proper monitoring by authorities.
The Tura MDC has, meanwhile, urged the authorities to take immediate action to repair the road and ensure that dumpers drive slowly on the highway to prevent further loss of innocent lives.