Udalguri, June 19: The Mangaldai–Bhutiachang (MB) Road, a key arterial route linking Darrang and Udalguri districts, has fallen into a severely dilapidated condition, with residents alleging that the road has been left without proper maintenance for nearly 15 years.
Local residents expressed frustration over the prolonged neglect of the road and accused public representatives, including Member of Parliament Dilip Kumar Saikia and other elected leaders, of failing to address the difficulties faced by commuters. They argued that despite repeated promises of development by the BJP government and the Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC), the condition of the road has continued to worsen.
The Mangaldai–Bhutiachang Road serves as an important transportation corridor connecting several areas along the Indo-Bhutan border, including Bamunjuli, Bhutiachang and Garuajhar, with Mangaldai, Guwahati and other parts of Assam. Thousands of vehicles ply the route every day.
However, years of neglect have left the road riddled with massive potholes, many of which become waterlogged during the rainy season, making travel hazardous. Residents said the damaged stretches have become so severe that commuters often struggle to distinguish between the road and the water-filled craters.
Despite changes in governments over the years, residents claimed that no major repair or reconstruction work has been undertaken. They pointed out that senior political leaders and VIPs continue to use the route while ordinary citizens are forced to endure daily hardships.
The deteriorating condition of the road has also emerged as a major safety concern. Students, traders and thousands of daily commuters are compelled to use the damaged stretch, where accidents are reported frequently. Residents described the situation as a nightmare for those travelling through the area.
The poor condition of the road has also affected emergency healthcare services. According to residents, ambulances often face delays in transporting patients to hospitals, with several pregnant women reportedly giving birth while being taken for treatment. They further alleged that some critically ill patients had lost their lives before reaching medical facilities because of the delay caused by the road’s condition.
The road falls under the jurisdiction of local elected representatives, including BTC leaders and MP Dilip Kumar Saikia. However, residents alleged that no visible steps have been taken to address the worsening condition of the route.
Fed up with years of neglect, local residents and various organisations have appealed to the government to immediately undertake repair and reconstruction work on the Mangaldai–Bhutiachang Road to ensure safe and uninterrupted transportation for the public.
