Silchar's 2nd Link Road in Limbo: Funds Sanctioned, Work Stalled as Monsoon Threatens
In Silchar, Assam, the 2nd Link Road—a crucial artery connecting Hailakandi Road in the west to Sonai Road in the east—continues to languish in neglect, despite the allocation of substantial funds and the completion of all necessary project documentation. This persistent inaction has sparked growing alarm among local residents, particularly with the monsoon season fast approaching, raising fears of severe waterlogging and further infrastructural decay.
Infrastructure Deficiencies and Rising Traffic Woes
Over the years, traffic volume on this key stretch has surged significantly, yet civic amenities have failed to keep pace. Residents report that even during periods of dry weather, water from blocked or unfinished drainage systems frequently spills onto the roadway, creating hazardous conditions. Several segments of the road are entirely devoid of proper drainage, while accumulating garbage heaps line various sections, exacerbating the unsanitary and unsafe environment.
Sanctioned Funds and Project Documentation: A Paper Trail Without Progress
An RTI (Right to Information) inquiry has revealed that Rs 90.10 lakh was officially sanctioned under the Mukhyamantrir Nagariya Pakipath Nirman Achani (MMNPNA) scheme during the 2023–24 financial year. This funding was earmarked specifically for the "Improvement of 2nd Link Road including construction of covered drain and guard wall" within the Silchar assembly constituency. A formal work order was issued on March 14, 2024, setting a completion deadline of March 13, 2025.
However, locals assert that there has been no visible advancement on the ground more than a year after the work order was issued and nearly three years since the project was initially announced. Project documents, including the Detailed Project Report (DPR), site plans, transect walk details, site verification certificates, and cost estimates, are reportedly fully prepared, yet implementation remains stalled.
Community Frustration and Official Assurances
Members of the 2nd Link Road Development Committee, alongside concerned residents, recently convened with senior officials from the Public Works and Roads Department (PWRD) to seek clarification on the protracted delays. According to attendees, officials attributed the holdup to procedural engagements and pledged to take action. Residents noted, however, that similar promises have been reiterated over the years, often coinciding with election cycles, without yielding tangible results.
"As citizens, we keep voting and waiting, but development remains confined to paper," lamented a resident who pursued the RTI application. "If we aspire to evolve into a knowledge-driven society, we must critically examine why projects stagnate and why we persistently lag in progress," he added, highlighting a broader call for accountability.
Election Context and Demands for Transparency
With assembly elections on the horizon, residents have vowed to intensify their advocacy for answers, emphasizing that transparency and accountability in urban infrastructure initiatives cannot be treated as discretionary. They argue that the consistent failure to execute sanctioned projects undermines public trust and hampers regional development, urging authorities to prioritize timely execution and clear communication.
The situation underscores a critical gap between policy formulation and on-ground implementation, leaving Silchar's community to grapple with deteriorating infrastructure and mounting anxieties as the rainy season draws near.
