Guwahati — The All Assam Students’ Union (AASU) on Monday expressed deep grief and anger over the Khetri road accident that killed seven people, accusing the state and central authorities of turning the highway into a “death trap” through long-standing negligence and poor maintenance. AASU president Utpal Sarma demanded answers on who was responsible for the fatalities and called for immediate action to prevent further loss of life.
Sarma questioned whether human lives had become “so worthless” for the Government, saying the administration too often takes action only after tragedies occur. He pointed to large potholes and frequent minor accidents as visible evidence of the highway’s deteriorating condition and criticised the apparent absence of preventive maintenance.
The students’ union also challenged the continued collection of toll tax on the stretch despite its poor upkeep, alleging that the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) had reduced its role in the state to that of a toll-collection agency. Sarma urged the state government and local elected representatives — who regularly use these roads — to explain their roles and responsibilities in ensuring road safety.
AASU demanded adequate compensation for the families of those killed and proper medical treatment and compensation for the injured. The union called for urgent repair and reconstruction of damaged roads, and insisted on the timely completion of ongoing and newly sanctioned four-lane national and state highway projects across Assam.
The students’ body further demanded that toll collection be suspended completely until repairs and reconstruction are finished. It also asked the Assam Government to hold the NHAI accountable, including registering cases and taking action against NHAI officials or authorised agencies responsible for road maintenance if found negligent.
By pressing for compensation, road repairs, and accountability from both state authorities and the NHAI, AASU framed the Khetri accident as symptomatic of wider failures in highway management and public safety across Assam.
Original Source: https://www.sentinelassam.com/topheadlines/aasu-slams-death-trap-highways-demands-action-and-accountability-after-khetri-tragedy
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Publish Date: 2026-09-01 08:53:00
