A critical section of National Highway-17 in Bijoynagar, located in Assam’s South Kamrup district, has become a significant civic hazard. The roads are in disrepair, drains are clogged, and an overpowering stench has disrupted daily life in one of the region’s busiest commercial centers. Previously known as National Highway-37, this stretch serves as the sole national highway in South Kamrup and is essential for connecting Assam with neighboring states through Srirampur. However, this section, which houses the state’s second-largest wholesale market, has become increasingly difficult to navigate, endangering the safety of commuters, pedestrians, and local traders.
Residents and officials attribute the deteriorating conditions to a poorly executed drainage project carried out by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI). A multi-crore initiative implemented a few years ago in the Upperhali area aimed to install concrete drains on both sides of the highway. Unfortunately, these drains have become completely blocked, rendering the drainage system ineffective.
Consequently, wastewater now frequently overflows onto the roadway, merging with stagnant water that collects in large potholes. The highway has effectively transformed into an open drain, with foul-smelling water and garbage lining both sides, contributing to severe pollution in the area. Residents claim the drainage system was designed without proper outlets, resulting in water stagnation within the drains. This problem has been exacerbated by the indiscriminate dumping of garbage; waste from local businesses is often thrown into the drains or left along the roadside, obstructing water flow and worsening the sanitation crisis.
These unsanitary conditions have made navigating the area hazardous, especially for pedestrians, including students from Upperhali High School and the local Girls’ High School, who must wade through contaminated water to reach their schools. The crumbling infrastructure has also led to accidents; recently, an e-rickshaw overturned after hitting a pothole, causing serious injuries to both the driver and a passenger.
Despite the severity of the situation and the strategic importance of NH-17, local residents express frustration over the inaction of public representatives and officials from the National Highways Authority. The failure to take timely action has raised concerns regarding maintenance, accountability, and the oversight of infrastructure projects in the region.
Original Source: https://www.indiatodayne.in/assam/story/civic-neglect-chokes-key-nh-17-stretch-in-assams-major-market-hub-as-drainage-project-fails-1339062-2026-01-31?utm_source=rssfeed
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Publish Date: 2026-01-31 11:26:00
