‘Smart Assam’ Falls Apart as Hajo Road Becomes Death Zone

The crucial Hajo–Guwahati–Daulshal–Barpeta road, a key state highway connecting multiple towns and administrative zones, has now turned into a death trap due to massive potholes and prolonged neglect. The road, riddled with deep craters and waterlogged patches, has become virtually unfit for vehicular movement, raising serious questions about the state of infrastructure in the so-called "Smart Assam".

Despite tall claims by the Assam government about rapid development of urban and rural road networks, the ground reality is grim—especially in Hajo, a religiously significant town and transit hub. A stretch of nearly 200 meters near Patani area in Hajo has been severely damaged for months, with multiple sections of the road caving in, forming pond-like potholes in the middle of the thoroughfare.

Lack of proper drainage systems and stormwater outlets has led to artificial waterlogging on both sides of the road, worsening the situation during monsoon. Commuters, pedestrians, and even emergency services are struggling to navigate the submerged and broken road. Locals describe it as a “man-made flood” zone where vehicles stall, accidents occur, and daily movement turns into a risk.

What adds to the irony is the presence of several key government establishments along this deteriorated stretch, including the Hajo Police Station, Bishnuram Medhi FRU (First Referral Unit), Public Works Department (PWD) office, Block Development Office, Circle Office, Canara Bank, and Block Elementary Education Office.

Government employees and the general public alike face tremendous hardship in reaching their respective destinations due to the unmotorable condition of the approach road.

Frustrated with the lack of official response, residents have raised urgent demands for the immediate construction of drainage channels and systematic water outflow mechanisms along the affected stretch. They have also called upon the authorities to expedite road repairs before the situation deteriorates further or leads to a serious mishap.

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