Guwahati, March 6: Repair work has commenced inside the Maibang highway tunnel along the Saurashtra East–West Corridor in Assam’s Dima Hasao district, but reports suggest that the ongoing restoration is being carried out in violation of prescribed government safety guidelines, raising concerns among observers and local residents.
According to local reports from Haflong, the tunnel located on the Silchar–Saurashtra East–West Corridor had developed large potholes inside, creating serious risks for commuters using the route. Despite repeated concerns over the deteriorating condition of the tunnel, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) had earlier failed to take timely steps to repair the damaged section. The tunnel has also been affected by inadequate lighting for a long period, an issue that has remained unresolved despite persistent complaints.
Observers have alleged that while these safety problems continued, the NHAI appeared to prioritise reopening the Jatinga–Harangajao route instead of addressing the worsening condition of the tunnel infrastructure.
Although repair work has now begun, reports claim that the restoration process is not being carried out in line with official safety norms. Labourers working at the site reportedly do not have the minimum protective safety gear, and there are no visible road safety arrangements in place to ensure the safety of workers or motorists passing through the area.
Sources further stated that the responsibility for maintaining the 57-kilometre stretch—from near Hatikhali Government Model Degree College to Nerim Bungalow, including the tunnel—was awarded to an outside contractor, DC Azmira, from July 1, 2024. However, the contractor allegedly showed little urgency in carrying out repairs for several months, allowing the condition of the tunnel to deteriorate further.
Even after the repair work has begun, concerns over adherence to government norms persist. A site engineer associated with the DC Azmira contracting group reportedly acknowledged that the restoration work is not being executed according to official standards. The development has once again raised questions about road safety measures and oversight in the maintenance of this crucial highway corridor in the hill district.
