Despite repeated claims of development in the state, residents of the Subal Singh area say the reality on the ground tells a different story. The condition of the crucial road connecting Subal Singh to Agartala has deteriorated significantly, with the bitumen surface almost completely worn away and large potholes covering much of the route.

Alleging prolonged official negligence, villagers staged a protest and road blockade on Monday, demanding the immediate reconstruction of the road.

According to the protesters, the road has remained in a severely damaged condition for nearly a year. They accused the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) and the concerned authorities of failing to take effective action despite repeated complaints.

Local residents said thousands of commuters use the road every day, including school students, office-goers, patients, and traders. The poor condition of the road has disrupted daily life, making it difficult for students to reach school on time and causing serious delays in transporting patients to hospitals. Business owners have also reported financial losses due to transportation difficulties.

The villagers further alleged that excessive dust generated from the damaged road has led to respiratory problems and other health issues, particularly among children and elderly residents. They also pointed out that the area has been facing a long-standing drinking water crisis, which remains unresolved.

Protesters said they had repeatedly approached elected representatives and government officials over the past several months but received only assurances without any visible progress. They made it clear that the road blockade and protest would continue until they receive a written assurance that reconstruction work will begin immediately.

The incident has also raised questions about the quality of road construction, maintenance, and project supervision. Residents questioned how a major public road, built with government funds, could become almost unusable within a year, demanding accountability from the agencies responsible.

The protesters maintained that both NHIDCL and the state government should have acted more proactively to address the issue. They stressed that development claims would only hold meaning when people have access to safe and motorable roads.

It remains to be seen whether the villagers' protest will prompt NHIDCL, the concerned departments, and the state government to take swift action or whether the hardships faced by the residents of Subal Singh will continue.