Tripura CM to discuss road widening at Churaibari check post with Assam counterpart

Tripura Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha on Monday said he would hold discussions with Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma regarding the widening of the road at the Churaibari inter-state check-post to ease the persistent traffic congestion faced by loaded vehicles.

The statement came a day after the Chief Minister’s whirlwind visit to the Churaibari area in North Tripura district, the main entry point at the Tripura–Assam border. The checkpost, located about 151 km from Agartala, witnesses heavy congestion on a daily basis, causing significant inconvenience to goods-laden vehicles arriving from different parts of the country.

Speaking to media persons after a government programme in Agartala, Dr Saha said that during his visit on Sunday, he inspected the Churaibari check post, police station, stone crusher sites, and the Indian Oil depot, and sought details regarding the causes of frequent traffic jams and related issues.

“During on-the-spot verification, it was observed that the road at Churaibari is narrow. The problem exists on both the Tripura and Assam sides, making it urgent to widen the road to ensure seamless vehicular movement between the two states,” the Chief Minister said.

Dr Saha added that he plans to raise the issue with Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma during the upcoming plenary session of the ruling party, with the aim of facilitating coordinated action for widening the road on both sides of the inter-state check gate.

The Chief Minister also expressed concern over the mushrooming of stone crushing units in the Churaibari area and directed officials to look into alleged environmental violations by these units located near the National Highway.

Additionally, Dr Saha inspected the Dharmanagar fuel depot and interacted with tanker drivers. He clearly instructed them not to pay money to any individual and urged them to immediately inform the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) if they notice any corrupt practices or if anyone demands money from them.