Political urgency has intensified in Assam following a tragic road accident on National Highway 27 in the Kamrup Metropolitan district that left seven people dead. Senior Congress leader Debabrata Saikia has formally urged the central government to immediately suspend toll collection across the entire state and carry out a comprehensive safety and maintenance audit of all toll-levying roads.
Letter to Nitin Gadkari
In a formal communication addressed to Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari on Monday, Saikia pointed to the fatal collision at Sonapur as stark evidence of the daily hazards confronted by motorists navigating poorly maintained highway infrastructure. The former Leader of the Opposition in the Assam Assembly emphasized that the Sonapur disaster was by no means an isolated occurrence.
Systemic Failures and Toll Collection Principles
Saikia argued that collecting tolls from citizens for unsafe or dilapidated roads defeats the entire premise of the levy. He referenced established legal principles recognized by courts, which dictate that toll fees should not be levied when roadways fail to meet proper maintenance standards. Demanding urgent administrative intervention, he called for an independent safety evaluation covering every toll plaza and toll-paying road network throughout the state until they are certified as completely safe and motorable.
Inquiries and Compensation Demands
Furthermore, the Congress leader pressed for a detailed, transparent inquiry into alleged maintenance lapses, recurring traffic accidents, and potential contractual failures involving the National Highways Authority of India, private concessionaires, and independent engineers. He also insisted on the immediate disbursement of relief and financial compensation to the families of those who lost their lives or sustained injuries in the Sonapur crash and other similar incidents. Additionally, he demanded a publicly disclosed corrective action plan complete with fixed timelines and accountable parties.
Details of the Sonapur Collision
Meanwhile, the death toll from the Sunday evening collision involving a truck and a minibus near Tetelia in Sonapur climbed to seven on Monday after three more injured individuals succumbed to their injuries while receiving medical treatment, according to police reports. The initial crash resulted in four immediate fatalities at the scene. Guwahati Police Additional Deputy Commissioner of Traffic Safiqul Hussain stated that the minibus was heading towards Guwahati while the oncoming truck approached from the opposite direction.
Investigation Into Road Conditions
Hussain noted that the minibus driver allegedly lost control of the vehicle, crossed over the central divider, and collided head-on with the truck in the opposing lane. Preliminary accounts suggested the driver lost control after striking a massive pothole situated in the middle of the roadway, though law enforcement authorities stated they are actively verifying this specific claim.
