Tura: In 2024, infrastructure development across Garo Hills saw a modest boost, but the road conditions in South Garo Hills (SGH) continued to be a major concern, leaving many residents to look skyward for relief. While some areas saw progress, SGH remains in dire need of better road infrastructure, with people hoping for intervention from higher authorities.
South Garo Hills (SGH): A Long Road to Recovery
SGH continues to face some of the worst road conditions in the region, despite efforts to improve infrastructure. The lone exception has been the ongoing Baghmara–Ranikor road project, which has successfully reduced travel time from four hours to just two hours. However, aside from this stretch, the district lacks any major road improvements.
The main lifeline, NH-62 (also known as NH-217B), which runs through SGH from Nongalbibra to near Dalu in West Garo Hills, has been in a deteriorated state for over 30 years. Although occasional cosmetic repairs are carried out, the highway remains a nightmare for commuters. Sources indicate that land mapping for the much-needed overhaul has already been completed, but NHIDCL has shown reluctance to tackle the project due to land ownership issues. This has left SGH residents frustrated, as they continue to face transportation difficulties.
In the past, civil society groups have protested the condition of the road, demanding either a complete overhaul or the commissioning of highway work by NHIDCL. The government allocated just over ₹27 crore for repairs on the entire 110 km stretch in SGH, but it remains insufficient to address the road’s long-term problems.
The situation is even worse in the Chokpot area, where travel times have become unbearable due to the poor road conditions. A construction company responsible for a major road project in the area has been blamed for the delay, with nearly a decade passing without significant progress. Work on the Sangkini to Baromile section is currently underway and is expected to be completed soon.
West Garo Hills: Stalled Projects and Dilapidated Roads
West Garo Hills, the largest district in the region, also faced challenges in road infrastructure in 2024. One of the major projects, the Tura–Dalu road, has been stuck in limbo since work began in 2018. Despite the government commissioning the project, the almost 50 km stretch remains far from completion. Land acquisition issues have been a major hurdle, but even in areas without such problems, sections of the road remain incomplete.
Authorities had earlier informed that the contractor had been given a deadline of December 2024, but it remains unclear what actions will be taken if the work is not completed on time. Meanwhile, the Tura–Rongram road is under construction and is expected to be finished soon.
Another major concern for residents is the AMPT road connecting Assam to Tura. Sections of this road, particularly from Nidanpur onwards, have been completely dilapidated. This is largely due to the heavy boulder-laden trucks from Bhutan, which violate export norms and cause severe damage to the road. Despite some sections being newly constructed, they have already required repairs due to the trucks’ overloading. The section from Nidanpur to Phulbari is currently under repair, but it still takes nearly four hours to cover the 80 km distance.
There is some good news for residents in the plains, however, as a new road (NH 127B) has been sanctioned, and work is expected to begin soon.
North Garo Hills: Some Improvements, but Interior Roads Still Lacking
In North Garo Hills, the road from Damra in Assam to Bajengdoba has seen significant improvements, making it one of the easiest routes for locals to travel. The Soksan to Songsak road has also been repaired and is now more accessible. However, many interior roads in the district remain in poor condition, especially during the monsoon season, making travel a challenge for residents.
South West Garo Hills (SWGH): Under Construction, But Still Needs Attention
In SWGH, the main road linking Garobadha to Mahendraganj and Dalu had fallen into disrepair last year but is now being gradually restored. Many interior roads connecting local areas to the district headquarters, Ampati, are also under construction, including the border road through Mahendraganj, funded by PMGSY.
East Garo Hills: The Bright Spot in Road Infrastructure
East Garo Hills stands out as the district with the most significant road infrastructure progress in 2024. Apart from one major under-construction road connecting Asanang to Williamnagar, the district saw relatively stable road conditions. Several projects under PMGSY are underway to improve last-mile connectivity, including roads that connect villages on the other bank of the Simsang River.
Conclusion: Mixed Bag of Progress
While Garo Hills saw some improvements in infrastructure, especially in the road sector, SGH continues to lag far behind. Inadequate funding, bureaucratic delays, and land issues have stalled many key projects, leaving residents frustrated and hoping for a resolution. The year 2024 has brought both hope and disappointment, with some areas seeing progress and others still facing significant roadblocks—literally and figuratively.
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