Two major highways in north Bengal, NH12 and NH27, are virtually in tatters, with residents, mango traders and even administrative officials prodding the National Highways Authority of Indian (NHAI) to take up repairs.
On Monday, villagers from the outskirts of Raiganj in North Dinajpur blocked NH12 for two hours starting 10.30am, demanding immediate repairs of damaged parts of the highway and rural roads. The blockade lifted after administrative and police officials intervened.
The NH12 (formerly NH34) is the main road link of Calcutta and south Bengal with the northern districts of the state. But in many parts of Malda and North Dinajpur, where NH12 passes, the bitumen cover has peeled off to expose craters and potholes, with minor accidents occurring every day.
