Deplorable Tarapur–Borkhola Road Triggers Public Protest and Demands for Immediate Repair

Silchar/Borkhola, July 9: The long-neglected Tarapur–Borkhola road has become a matter of serious concern for commuters and residents alike, as its crumbling condition continues to pose daily risks to life and property. With potholes as deep as craters, broken edges, and zero visible maintenance, the 35-kilometer stretch has turned into a nightmare, especially during the ongoing monsoon season.

In response to rising frustration, locals—including students, traders, and transporters—held a symbolic protest near the Rangirkhari junction, displaying banners that read “We Want Roads, Not Excuses.” Protesters placed broken bricks and potted plants inside potholes to draw attention to the negligence.

“This road is the main link between Silchar and Borkhola. Every day, ambulances, school buses, and commercial vehicles suffer damages. Yet the authorities remain unmoved,” said Anil Das, a daily commuter from Dolu.

Reports suggest that the road falls under the jurisdiction of the Public Works Department (PWD), but tendering delays and alleged contractor irregularities have stalled repair work. Locals allege that despite multiple assurances made during elections, not a single meaningful patching or relaying effort has taken place in the past year.

Auto and taxi drivers claim frequent breakdowns and high maintenance costs due to the condition of the road, directly affecting their income. Several minor accidents have also been reported in recent weeks, especially during rainfall, when the potholes become invisible death traps.

A joint memorandum by local panchayats and youth organizations has been submitted to the Cachar Deputy Commissioner, demanding immediate intervention. If no action is taken within the next 15 days, protestors have warned of an indefinite blockade on the Tarapur–Borkhola route.

The issue is fast becoming a flashpoint of rural-urban neglect and could emerge as a key electoral debate in the coming months.

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