Guwahati, Nov 14 (PTI) Senior Assam Congress leader Mira Borthakur Goswami on Saturday urged the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to conduct an independent investigation into the accident near Kaziranga National Park and fix responsibility.
Twenty-six people died and 20 others were injured in a head-on collision between a minibus and a container truck near Kaziranga National Park in Golaghat district on Friday.
The president of the Assam Congress women’s wing also called on the NHAI to undertake immediate repair of the highway in the state, and establish adequate emergency medical treatment and rescue facilities.
In a letter to the chairman of the NHAI, through the regional officer here, Goswami maintained that the accident “has once again exposed serious concerns regarding road safety, highway maintenance, traffic regulation and the availability of emergency medical facilities on Assam’s National Highways.”
She said that the Kaziranga accident cannot be viewed as an isolated incident as similar mishaps have occurred earlier in areas, such as Sonapur and Bokakhat.
“Repeated incidents raise serious questions about whether adequate preventive measures, regular highway inspections and effective road safety mechanisms are being implemented,” she added.
Goswami sought an independent technical investigation by the NHAI, which would examine the condition and design of the highway, road surface, signage, lighting and safety barriers, and fix responsibility wherever negligence is established.
She urged the Central agency to repair potholes, damaged road surfaces and unsafe sections without delay.
For identification of accident-prone locations, Goswami maintained that the NHAI must conduct a comprehensive road safety audit of all national highways in the state, identify black spots and take corrective measures within a fixed timeframe.
Calling for improved emergency medical and rescue facilities, she urged the NHAI to establish adequately equipped trauma care facilities along major national highways, introduce dedicated road safety mobile hospitals and advanced ambulances, and establish a 24-hour emergency response mechanism.
The Congress leader also stressed strict monitoring of commercial vehicles and coordination between the NHAI and the state transport and traffic authorities to take action against habitual traffic offenders.
Goswami sought compensation and support to victims’ families under applicable government schemes and legal provisions, and necessary assistance to injured passengers and their families.
She also requested the NHAI to publish data on accident figures from January 1, 2026 till date, number of deaths and injuries, details of identified accident-prone locations, road safety audits conducted and corrective measures taken, and details of ambulances, trauma centres and emergency response facilities available along the national highways of the state.
“Development cannot be measured merely by the construction of highways or the collection of toll taxes. The real measure of development must be the safety and well-being of the people who use these roads. The people of Assam deserve safe highways, proper maintenance, effective traffic management and immediate emergency medical assistance,” Goswami added. PTI SSG SSG RG
This report is auto-generated from PTI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.