Guwahati: Poor maintenance of NH-27 contributed to Sunday’s Sonapur accident that killed seven and injured six, CM Himanta Biswa Sarma said on Monday.The accident occurred at Khetri in Sonapur, about 15 km from the Nazirakhat toll plaza, when a minibus travelling from upper Assam to Guwahati lost control while avoiding a pothole and collided head-on with a truck. Six people died on the spot, and one succumbed to injuries at Gauhati Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) on Monday. Five others were undergoing treatment there.Sarma, who inspected the site, said, “The accident in Sonapur was an extremely tragic and painful incident. People have already alleged that the accident occurred because of the poor condition of the national highway and the lack of proper maintenance. The police investigation has also indicated that inadequate maintenance of the highway was a factor behind the incident.”He said National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) generally awards highway maintenance contracts. “However, the contractor concerned apparently failed to fulfil his responsibilities properly. The state chief secretary has discussed the matter with the NHAI chairperson. We have been assured that the road will be repaired very soon and that proper monitoring will be carried out to ensure that such incidents do not occur in the future,” CM said.Sarma said an independent police investigation was underway and those found responsible would face legal action. He announced Rs 5 lakh for each victim’s family and free treatment for the injured at GMCH.“No amount of financial assistance can compensate for the loss of a life. I have come here to take stock of the situation, and we will certainly examine the matter and take necessary measures to ensure that such an incident is not repeated,” he added.Kamrup (Metro) deputy commissioner Swapneel Paul said NHAI was directed to repair potholes on NH-27 within seven days. A monitoring committee of officials, DTO, police representatives and residents will oversee the work and submit a report by Sept 7. A special meeting will be held at the Dimoria office on Sept 3.GMCH superintendent Devajit Choudhury said five injured people were undergoing treatment, and two were critical. “Nine persons were admitted to the hospital on Sunday night, of whom three were declared brought dead, and three were in critical condition.” He said the hospital had adequate ICU and other facilities.
