Trinamool MP Debabrata Bandyopadhyay today made a Special Mention in the Rajya Sabha on the poor condition of National Highways in West Bengal.
Full transcript of his speech:
Sir, I would like to speak about the poor condition of the National Highways in West Bengal. Particularly, I would like to speak about the conditions of NH-6 and NH-34.
With regard to NH-6, the portion between Kharagpur and Chichira on the Jharkhand border has been in a state of utter disrepair. The portion passes through the Naxal-affected areas of Paschim Medinipur, in the Jangalmahal region, making it doubly important. The road is not only a lifeline in general but also a crucial component of the developmental initiatives in Jangalmahal to counter the Naxalite influence.
As for NH-34, the work of four-laning between Barasat and Krishnanagar has been extremely slow. Sites have been abandoned by contractors, completion dates have been stretched again and again. The result – a part of the National Highway is not traffic-worthy and poses a threat to lives.
Despite the State Government’s repeatedly taking up the matter with the Centre, unfortunately, things have not improved. Roads remain in poor shape and the life-threatening condition persists. Road safety is of prime concern to India as 10% of the lives lost in India are due to the poor conditions of the National Highways.
The callous attitude towards the maintenance of highways needs to change. I urge the Minister through you, Sir, to complete all the pending projects on time, which is extremely crucial for West Bengal as well as the seven sister States of the North-East.
Thank you, Sir.