Agartala, April 19, 2025: Less than a year after its construction, National Highway 208 in Khowai has deteriorated significantly following two days of rain. Allegations of substandard work during its construction have resurfaced, drawing attention to what many locals describe as negligence and corruption.

The highway connects Khowai to Kamalpur has been left in a deplorable state with large potholes and waterlogged sections making it nearly impassable. Residents have likened parts of the road to a paddy field. One local remarked, “If this is the condition with just two days of rain, what will happen during the monsoon season?”

According to reports, the quality of construction work was questioned from the beginning. A series of protests by residents highlighted concerns about poor materials and procedures, but these warnings went unheeded. Evidence of irregularities is now evident, with locals blaming both engineers and contractors for cutting corners.

During the construction phase, an engineer reportedly dismissed concerns about the absence of a net—a standard feature in road construction to ensure stability. The engineer allegedly stated, “It wasn’t clear if the net was needed here.” Residents claim this was a clear sign of the compromised quality of the project.

The disparity between sections of the highway is also stark. While the stretch near Mohanpur shows better durability, locals allege that the use of proper reinforcements in that area contrasts sharply with the shoddy work observed between Khowai and Kamalpur. “They didn’t follow any regulations. They just wanted to save money, and now we are paying the price,” said a frustrated commuter.

As the rains worsen the road’s condition, safety concerns are mounting. Local voices demand accountability and immediate action from the National Highway Authority to address the glaring issues. “We can’t keep risking our lives on this road,” one resident emphasized.