Silchar: Crumbling roads, incomplete bridges and long-delayed infrastructure projects have emerged as a major election issue in the Barak Valley ahead of the April 9 assembly polls, with residents across Cachar, Sribhumi and Hailakandi accusing authorities of years of neglect.From potholed village roads to abandoned bridge sites, internal connectivity across the region remains poor despite repeated promises during past elections. Even the Centre’s flagship Bharatmala highway programme has come under criticism, with residents alleging that slow and poorly planned execution has worsened daily hardship instead of improving travel.Public anger erupted recently when hundreds of residents blocked the Baropunji-Eolabari road in South Karimganj constituency for nearly four hours, protesting its condition.
The road, maintained by PWD (Rural Roads), has become nearly unusable, with several stretches submerged in stagnant water because of poor drainage.Villagers said nearly 10 surrounding villages rely on the road as their main link to Sribhumi town. “Water remains knee-deep in places, and no authority has taken responsibility. Elections come and go, but our suffering continues,” alleged protesters.The blockade disrupted movement and triggered tension in the area before Congress candidate Aminur Rashid Choudhury stepped in.
After several rounds of talks, he assured temporary repairs through the local panchayat and promised permanent construction if elected. Protesters then withdrew the blockade, though residents warned of stronger agitation if work does not begin soon.Infrastructure anger is not limited to roads. In Ratabari, the collapse of a bailey bridge over the Singla river last year continues to affect connectivity, with reconstruction yet to show visible progress.In Cholligram under Katigorah constituency in Cachar district, an incomplete RCC bridge over the Larang river has become a symbol of stalled development. Sanctioned in Feb 2018 at an estimated cost of Rs 3 crore and slated for completion by 2022, the bridge remains unfinished, with only concrete pillars standing in the river. Villagers now cross using a makeshift bamboo bridge built 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,” said local residents.The Silchar–Aizawl National Highway, NH-306, has also drawn sharp criticism, especially the 40-km stretch from Silchar to Lailapur near the Mizoram border. Ongoing construction has turned large sections of the highway into muddy, waterlogged tracks, severely disrupting traffic.Residents alleged that the executing agency removed the existing road surface without putting alternative routes in place.
They said the dismantling of old drainage channels before new ones were built worsened flooding in Panibhara, Dholai, Janata Bazar and Saptagram. Flyover construction in some stretches has further blocked natural water flow.Locals said the delays have had grave consequences, with critically ill patients stranded in traffic and, in some cases, dying before reaching hospitals. There have also been reports of women giving birth on the roadside because of prolonged travel delays.“We are not against development, but the lack of planning has turned our lives into misery,” said a resident, alleging poor oversight and possible nexus between contractors and authorities.With campaigning intensifying across Barak Valley’s 13 assembly constituencies, infrastructure failures, especially poor rural connectivity, are fast shaping voter sentiment. What was billed as a development push is now emerging as a political liability.
