Several roads in the city have turned into death traps; one person was seriously injured in an accident at Bhati Abhoynagar.

For the past year, construction of covered drains under the Agartala Smart City Project has been underway across various roads in the capital, Agartala. Although officials had promised to complete the 46-kilometre project before Durga Puja, the work is still ongoing. Large pits have been dug along almost every major road beside the covered drains. Shockingly, there are no warning signs placed in front of these open pits, despite their proximity to the main roads — leading to frequent accidents.

Earlier, a rickshaw puller was seriously injured after falling into one such roadside pit near Umakanta Academy School — just before the Durga Puja festival. The incident sparked widespread criticism of the Agartala Smart City Project, both in the media and on social platforms. However, even after repeated public outrage, the project authorities have shown no sign of caution.

As a result, another serious accident occurred on Thursday morning at West Para, Bhati Abhoynagar, in the capital. A massive pit had been dug beside the main road, with iron rods protruding from it — effectively turning it into a death trap for pedestrians and commuters. That morning, a motorcyclist fell into the pit and was seriously injured.

Eyewitnesses said the accident occurred because there was no warning board placed near the pit. Expressing anger, a local resident said that they had earlier requested the construction workers to install a warning sign beside the hole. Instead, the site manager of the construction company reportedly rebuked the resident and arrogantly replied that they “don’t put up warning boards,” even suggesting that the matter be taken up directly with the Chief Minister.

Listen — this is what one elderly resident of Bhati Abhoynagar had to say about the issue.

Local citizens believe that the contractor’s manager must feel emboldened and powerful — otherwise, he would not have dared to make such a statement involving the Chief Minister. Notably, this stretch of road has long been an accident-prone zone. About a year ago, a local resident — an employee of MBB Airport — tragically lost his life in an accident at the very same spot.