RTI Activist Questions Poor NH-6 Condition Despite Rs. 15.66 Crore Spend

Questions have been raised over the maintenance of National Highway 6 after an RTI reply revealed that Rs. 15.66 crore was spent on maintenance work between Malidor and Badarpur in Assam, even as commuters continue to complain about the poor condition of the road.

The issue came to light after Banaspati Goswami, a resident of Digorkhal, sought information under the Right to Information (RTI) Act regarding the maintenance of the Malidor to Karimganj stretch and adjoining areas of NH-6. Documents provided by the National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd. (NHIDCL) state that Rs. 15.66 crore had been incurred towards short-term maintenance work on the Malidor-Badarpur section as of September 2025.

The disclosure has triggered debate among local residents, many of whom claim that the condition of the highway does not reflect the amount reportedly spent on its upkeep.

Speaking on the issue, Goswami alleged that several portions of the highway between Gumrah and Digorkhal have remained in poor condition for nearly two years. He claimed that potholes, damaged road surfaces and unsafe stretches continue to pose risks to motorists and pedestrians alike.

According to Goswami, some of the most dangerous sections are located near bends where there are no visible safety signboards despite the presence of roadside ditches. He questioned whether funds allocated for road safety measures were being properly utilised.

The RTI response reviewed by this publication shows that NHIDCL informed the applicant that a Notice to Proceed for short-term maintenance work on NH-6 from kilometre 173+325 to 201+440, covering the Malidor-Badarpur section, was issued on 20 August 2024. The agency further stated that Rs. 15.66 crore had been spent on the execution of the work by September 2025.

However, several other queries seeking explanations for maintenance practices and road conditions were not answered on the grounds that they sought clarifications and opinions, which do not fall within the scope of information that can be provided under the RTI Act.

Goswami alleged that repair work is often carried out during the night and that the quality of the work is inadequate. He claimed that some repaired portions deteriorate within a short period of time.

He further said that he does not believe the Assam government is discriminating against the Barak Valley and acknowledged that Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has announced funding for development projects in the region. However, he alleged that the benefits are not reaching the public due to failures in implementation at the local level. These allegations could not be independently verified.

Residents have continued to express concerns over the state of the highway, which serves as a crucial gateway to the Barak Valley and carries heavy passenger and commercial traffic every day.

NHIDCL’s RTI response confirms the expenditure figure but does not provide an assessment of the current condition of the road or address allegations regarding the quality of maintenance work.

The issue has renewed calls for greater transparency and accountability regarding the utilisation of public funds and the maintenance of one of the region’s most important transport corridors.