Dangerous Pothole on Haripara Road Puts Commuters at Risk

NAZIRA, October 9, 2026 — A large pothole in the middle of Haripara Road at Lebang village has become a serious safety hazard for commuters travelling along the Sivasagar–Simaluguri (BG Road) route, prompting residents to demand immediate repairs.

Haripara Road connects Haripara Tiniali on the Sivasagar–Simaluguri road with Dimow Chariali via Hahchara and Betbari. Several stretches, particularly in Hahchara and Betbari, have deteriorated badly, with multiple sections damaged and broken.

The large pothole at Lebang village has emerged as a particularly dangerous spot. The issue was reportedly highlighted in the media last year, following which the concerned department and contractor undertook repair work. However, residents alleged that the repairs were temporary and inadequate, leading to further deterioration and the reappearance of a large pothole at the same location.

Although the pothole is visible from a distance during daylight, it becomes extremely dangerous at night due to poor visibility, residents said. They fear that unsuspecting motorists, particularly two-wheeler riders, could meet with serious accidents.

The 8.2-km stretch from Haripara Tiniali, completed in 2022, has developed several large potholes at different locations. A section in the middle of Lebang village has also reportedly developed a dangerous slope. Despite the worsening condition, residents alleged that the authorities have failed to take adequate corrective measures.

Hundreds of students, government and private-sector employees, emergency patients and other commuters use the road every day. The frequent movement of heavy vehicles, including dumpers transporting sand, stone and other construction materials, has further heightened concerns over road safety.

The road falls under the Dimow Territorial Road Division of Sivasagar district. Residents expressed surprise that neither elected representatives nor officials of the concerned department had taken effective steps to address the problem despite the continuous movement of heavy vehicles along the damaged stretch.

The situation has reportedly worsened after heavy vehicles were prohibited from using Nangalmar Bridge on the Chepan–Chunpora road. Many such vehicles are now using Haripara Road as an alternative route, putting additional pressure on the already-deteriorated stretch.

Residents also questioned the effectiveness of field-level monitoring by the concerned department, alleging that corrective action is often initiated only after reports on the road's condition appear in the media.

Fearing a major accident, residents have urged the authorities to immediately repair the dangerous pothole and undertake comprehensive restoration of the entire stretch before a serious tragedy occurs.