The bus set off from Salipathar in Lakhimpur district at 3 pm on the 23rd of February and was bound for Guwahati. There were two drivers along with the other bus staff said Amal Das, the handyman of the ill fated bus. Das who suffered two broken legs and an injured pelvis said that the accident could have been avoided if the highway was well illuminated and there was a guideline on the surface to help the driver. Because of the absence of these, drivers usually navigate through experience and on that fateful morning, the driver of the Green Valley bus could not make out the route just before the bridge.

This portion of the NH – 37 highway has been undergoing repair and broadening work for the last 8 months as a part of the East – West corridor project to make it a four lane highway with greater connectivity by the year 2010. An official source from the National Highway Authority said that the ongoing work from Jagi road to the capital is still in process and that a lot more time is needed to complete the proper track. He however was silent when asked about the tragedy. The local residents have raised their concern over the regularity of such road mishaps in the area and said that their repeated complaints to the concerned authorities have continued to fall on deaf ears.

The local counselor Mrs. Deka added that the vexed sentiments of the people caused by the incident would subside with the passage of time. However, the authorities should make necessary arrangements to avoid future mishaps like this one. Mr. Amal Das said that the authority is paying compensation for the deaths and injuries. This however is not enough. What is needed is a viable solution to the immediate problems concerning the NH – 37 highway. “They can still provide fluorescent landmarks till the job is completed for the safety of the travelers”, he said.

“In addition to lack of security in other areas, the authority has completely failed to provide road security to the people of this land”, stated social activist Deven Dutta. The administration in the transport sector is so poor and is dominated by private parties to such an extent that the transport officials have very little say in anything. Road mishaps such as this have always been able to draw interest but no organization or individual has taken up the issue seriously. This issue should be given priority as better road safety is much more important than better road connectivity.

The twenty year old Amal Das and Lok Bahadur Chetry are two very lucky individuals who escaped death that morning. However, with their injuries, they have their concerns as the compensation paid to them is just enough to meet their medical bills. It is inadequate for their adjustment to the life they have ahead of them. “We are not happy that the incident took place because of someone else’s fault and corruption. What about the lives of the families who have lost their son s and brothers? Can anyone reimburse them?” asks Amal Das’ sister.