Sept. 8: The bumpy drive along the Mangaldoi-Bhutiachung-Chamrung road, the only link between the Indo-Bhutan border in the district with the rest of the country, is as much a torture for the mind as for the body.
Inhabited by over five lakh people, the area has not witnessed any development over the past two decades and the condition of the so-called lifeline is symbolic of the hurdles they face everyday.
The tea gardens located along the Indo-Bhutan border as well as business establishments and tourist spots in Panery, Kalaigoan and Mangaldoi and in neighbouring Udalgiri district have all suffered because of poor connectivity with Tangla railway station.
For over 50 tea gardens in the district and the army camp at Ghagra, the road is the only trade and transport link.
The 61.5-km stretch from Ramhari is a continuous series of potholes and rib-breaking bumps. The road was built by the British and renovated by the Assam government once. It has remained in a state of ruin since then.
Dhruba Prasad Saharia, a resident of the area, said: “It is a pity that we are represented by three MLAs — from Kalaigaon, Panery and Mangaldoi — and the Bodoland Territorial Council — but the condition of the road gives the impression that we are orphaned.”
Social activist Kamrul Hoque said access to healthcare facilities was the biggest problem.
“Such is the state of the road that the condition of patients often worsens during the journey to hospitals in Mangaldoi or other distant places.”
Several organisations in the district have pleaded with Dispur to repair the road, but received no response except promises.
Nekibur Rahman Saikia, sub-divisional officer in the PWD (roads division), Darrang, painted a different picture. He said Rs 31.86 crore had been sanctioned for repairs. “There are eight damaged bridges along the road and all of them are being renovated with Rs 6.58 crore from the non-lapsable Central pool of resources. Work will be completed next year.”
He claimed the stretch from Mangaldoi to Ramhari would be repaired, too.
