Guwahati, March 13: Several sections of the four-lane Silchar–Saurashtra East–West Corridor in Dima Hasao district have reportedly deteriorated within three years of construction, raising concerns over the quality of work carried out in the project.
The highway stretch, developed to strengthen connectivity between Assam’s Barak Valley and neighbouring states such as Tripura, Manipur, and Mizoram, has already developed cracks and large potholes in several areas even before its formal inauguration.
According to reports, the Balachara–Harangajao section of the corridor has suffered significant damage despite the four-lane road having been completed in 2023. Several portions of the road surface have developed cracks, while parts of the retaining walls along the stretch have reportedly collapsed.
A geo-technical survey conducted recently along the route identified multiple irregularities in the construction work. During a visual survey and geo-tag inspection carried out on February 27, officials detected several defects between the 244 km and 269 km points of the highway.
The inspection found that drainage channels meant to carry rainwater from the surrounding hills were clogged with soil and vegetation. Cracks were also observed in different sections of the road surface. Experts noted that heavy vehicular pressure combined with inadequate drainage arrangements had accelerated the deterioration of the stretch.
Construction of the affected section had been undertaken by Suchi Infra & Mining Limited, which, under project regulations, is responsible for maintaining the road for five years after completion.
However, concerns have been raised that the agency has not taken sufficient measures to repair the damaged portions despite the deteriorating condition of the highway.
The geo-technical survey report warned that if immediate repair and maintenance work are not undertaken, the condition of the highway could worsen further. The findings have also triggered serious concerns about possible violations of construction standards in the project.
