Built to Break? Sontoli's PWD Road Falls Apart in 2 Years

Allegations of large-scale corruption have emerged in the construction of the E&D road at Sontoli, where the side berms have already begun to collapse at several locations, just two years after completion.

The road was built at an estimated cost of ₹8.81 crore (₹8,81,68,500) under the 2022 Chief Minister's Road Improvement Scheme initiated by the PWD. The construction of the 5-kilometre stretch was completed two years ago by a departmental contractor, who left the site shortly after completing the project.

However, locals claim that poor-quality materials were used and that side berms were shoddily constructed, with temporary patchwork and loose fittings. As a result, the side structures began to crumble during recent rains, severely damaging the road and creating dangerous craters along the stretch.

Concerned residents of Sontoli, who rely on the road for daily commuting, say the rapid deterioration of such a recently built road points to serious financial irregularities and substandard construction practices.

They have now demanded an investigation into the matter and urged Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma to intervene personally, to probe the alleged corruption and hold the responsible parties accountable.

The incident raises questions about oversight and transparency in public infrastructure projects, especially those funded under flagship schemes.

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