Barak Valley Voters Angry Over Crumbling Roads, Delayed Bridges Ahead of Polls
In the Barak Valley region of Assam, crumbling roads, incomplete bridges, and long-delayed infrastructure projects have surged to the forefront as a major election issue as the April 9 assembly polls approach. Residents across Cachar, Sribhumi, and Hailakandi districts are voicing strong accusations of years of neglect by authorities, turning infrastructure failures into a central point of political debate.
Protests Erupt Over Poor Road Conditions
Public frustration recently boiled over when hundreds of residents blocked the Baropunji-Eolabari road in the South Karimganj constituency for nearly four hours. This road, maintained by the Public Works Department (Rural Roads), has deteriorated to a nearly unusable state, with several stretches submerged in stagnant water due to inadequate drainage systems.
Villagers explained that nearly ten surrounding villages depend on this road as their primary link to Sribhumi town. "Water remains knee-deep in places, and no authority has taken responsibility. Elections come and go, but our suffering continues," protesters alleged. The blockade disrupted local movement and created tension in the area until Congress candidate Aminur Rashid Choudhury intervened.
After several rounds of negotiations, Choudhury assured temporary repairs through the local panchayat and promised permanent construction if elected. Protesters subsequently withdrew the blockade, but residents issued a warning of stronger agitation if work does not commence promptly.
Broader Infrastructure Failures Across the Region
The anger over infrastructure is not confined to roads alone. In Ratabari, the collapse of a bailey bridge over the Singla river last year continues to severely affect connectivity, with reconstruction efforts showing little to no visible progress to date.
In Cholligram, located under the Katigorah constituency in Cachar district, an incomplete Reinforced Cement Concrete (RCC) bridge over the Larang river stands as a stark symbol of stalled development. Sanctioned in February 2018 with an estimated cost of Rs 3 crore and slated for completion by 2022, the bridge remains unfinished, with only concrete pillars visible in the river. Villagers have resorted to crossing the river using a makeshift bamboo bridge constructed by the community.
"We voted hoping for development, but even after four years, the bridge is nowhere near completion. Now leaders are back seeking votes again," local residents expressed with disappointment.
National Highway Woes and Severe Consequences
The Silchar–Aizawl National Highway, NH-306, has also drawn sharp criticism, particularly the 40-kilometer stretch from Silchar to Lailapur near the Mizoram border. Ongoing construction has transformed large sections of this highway into muddy, waterlogged tracks, causing severe traffic disruptions.
Residents alleged that the executing agency removed the existing road surface without establishing alternative routes. They further claimed that the dismantling of old drainage channels before new ones were constructed worsened flooding in areas such as Panibhara, Dholai, Janata Bazar, and Saptagram. Additionally, flyover construction in some stretches has further obstructed natural water flow.
The delays have had grave consequences, with reports of critically ill patients becoming stranded in traffic and, in some tragic cases, dying before reaching hospitals. There have also been instances of women giving birth on the roadside due to prolonged travel delays caused by the poor road conditions.
"We are not against development, but the lack of planning has turned our lives into misery," said a resident, who also alleged poor oversight and a possible nexus between contractors and authorities.
Impact on Voter Sentiment and Political Landscape
As campaigning intensifies across Barak Valley's 13 assembly constituencies, infrastructure failures, especially poor rural connectivity, are rapidly shaping voter sentiment. What was initially promoted as a development push is now emerging as a significant political liability, with residents demanding accountability and swift action from their leaders.
The widespread neglect of basic infrastructure highlights deeper issues of governance and execution, making it a pivotal topic that could influence election outcomes in the region.
