Garo Students’ Union urges MLAs to seek intervention for NH-217 repairs

The Garo Students’ Union (GSU) has issued an open letter to three Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) from South Garo Hills, urging them to collectively demand intervention from Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma regarding the deteriorating state of National Highway-217.

The union highlighted that the Baghmara-Karongre stretch of NH-217, a vital link between Assam and Dalu, is in severe disrepair. This degradation is reportedly hindering access to Baghmara Civil Hospital, disrupting education for students, and increasing costs for farmers transporting produce. In some areas, such as Tojanang and Dompai, villagers have resorted to using mud and boulders to repair the road themselves.

According to the GSU, the project has faced delays due to issues with land acquisition compensation, stalled tendering processes, and uncertainty regarding the transfer of the project to the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL). The union is calling for immediate emergency repairs and a push for the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways to approve land acquisition and commence full construction.