Two women injured in drain mishaps, Agartala Smart City works under scanner

Agartala, Oct 23: Two women reportedly sustained injuries in separate incidents involving damaged or inadequately covered drains in Tripura's capital during the Durga Puja festivities, raising concerns over pedestrian safety and the quality of civic infrastructure developed under the Agartala Smart City initiative.

The incidents, reported at Colonel Chowmuhani in central Agartala and near the Lichubagan water tank along Airport Road, have prompted residents to question the maintenance of footpaths and drainage systems, alleging that incomplete construction could pose serious risks to pedestrians.

According to local accounts, the first incident occurred around noon on Navami at Colonel Chowmuhani, a busy commercial hub in the city. A woman was reportedly walking over a covered drain when the structure beneath her gave way, trapping her foot in the opening.

Local residents rushed to her rescue and reportedly used cutting equipment to remove part of the iron structure before freeing her. The incident caused concern among passers-by and highlighted the potential dangers posed by damaged pedestrian infrastructure in crowded areas, particularly during festivals.

In a separate incident near the Lichubagan water tank along Airport Road, another woman reportedly encountered a similar problem while crossing a section of drainage infrastructure that residents claimed was inadequately covered or left unfinished.

The incidents have triggered public concern over the condition of footpaths, drain covers and manhole structures across Agartala.

Residents said broken covers, exposed drains and unfinished pedestrian pathways could endanger women, children and elderly people. The incidents have also sparked discussions on social media, with users questioning the quality of construction and maintenance of urban development projects.

Concerns have resurfaced over renovation works undertaken ahead of Durga Puja, with residents alleging incomplete finishing, patchwork repairs and deficiencies in certain civic infrastructure projects.

Airport Road has emerged as a particular point of concern, with residents pointing to unfinished footpath tiling, reportedly missing manhole covers and damage to portions of recently laid tiles. Some have also questioned the condition of sections of the bituminous road surface despite the road's inauguration.

Residents have demanded a comprehensive inspection of pedestrian infrastructure across the city and stricter quality-control measures to identify and address potential hazards.

They have urged the authorities concerned to repair damaged drain covers, secure exposed openings and complete unfinished footpath works to prevent similar incidents.

There was no immediate official response available regarding the reported incidents or the allegations concerning infrastructure quality.