A five-member delegation of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) met Tripura Government Secretary Kiran Gitte at the Secretariat on Monday, pressing for urgent intervention to address multiple issues linked to ongoing works along the Assam–Agartala National Highway.

The delegation was led by CPI(M) Central Committee member and former Transport Minister Manik Dey, and included state secretariat member and former TTAADC Chief Executive Member Radhacharan Debbarma, along with leaders Madhusudan Das, Subhash Das, and Tapan Das.

During the meeting, the leaders raised concerns over the ongoing infrastructure works affecting daily life and economic activity along the highway corridor. A key issue highlighted was the construction of an overbridge at Champaknagar Bazaar under Jirania subdivision in West Tripura. The delegation said the current design effectively splits the historic market area into two, disrupting local trade and movement.

They argued that the plan could lead to significant economic losses for traders and inconvenience for residents. The CPI(M) leaders demanded a redesign based on a more practical and scientific approach, suggesting options such as a bypass alignment or a pillar-based overbridge to avoid dividing the market.

The delegation also pointed out that local traders and residents had previously staged protests, including road blockades and market shutdowns, opposing the present construction approach.

Another major concern raised was the absence of an adequate drainage system along a 3.5-kilometre stretch between Sadhupara and Champaknagar West Market. They warned that the lack of functional drainage on both sides of the road has led to severe waterlogging, damaging homes, agricultural land, vegetable cultivation, and small businesses.

The leaders further noted that although drain construction had been initiated at several points along the highway, the work has stalled and needs urgent completion. They also stressed the need for properly planned covered drains along both sides of the highway for long-term flood and water management.

In addition, the delegation proposed easing traffic congestion on the corridor by constructing a flyover between Khowai CNG point and the Atharabhola West area. They recalled that a similar proposal had been submitted earlier during the Left Front government’s tenure but has yet to be implemented.

The CPI(M) urged the state administration to take renewed steps to push the proposal forward, citing growing traffic pressure and the need for improved connectivity along the corridor.