Haflong: Repair work has finally commenced inside the Maibang highway tunnel along the East–West Corridor in Dima Hasao district of Assam, but reports suggest that the work is being carried out without adhering to prescribed government safety guidelines, raising concerns among commuters and local residents. According to local sources, the tunnel located on the Silchar section of the East–West Corridor had developed large potholes over time, posing a serious risk to vehicles passing through it. The tunnel has also been facing long-standing issues of inadequate lighting, which has further added to the safety risks for motorists.
Despite repeated complaints from commuters, the authorities were reportedly slow to initiate repair work. Observers alleged that the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) earlier focused more on reopening the Jatinga–Harangajao route instead of addressing the deteriorating condition of the tunnel. Although restoration work has now started, concerns have emerged regarding the manner in which the repairs are being carried out. Labourers at the site were reportedly seen working without basic protective equipment, while no visible road safety measures or traffic arrangements have been put in place for vehicles passing through the tunnel.
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Sources said that an outside contractor, DC Azmira, had been assigned the responsibility from July 1, 2024, to maintain the 57-kilometre stretch from near Hatikhali Government Model Degree College to Nerim Bungalow, which includes the maintenance of the tunnel. However, the contractor allegedly delayed initiating the repair work for several months.
Even after the work began, compliance with official safety norms appears to be lacking. A site engineer associated with the contracting group reportedly admitted that the ongoing repair work is not being carried out according to the prescribed standards. The situation has raised fresh concerns about safety oversight and maintenance practices along this crucial highway corridor connecting parts of the Northeast.
