Assam Congress Writes to PM Modi Seeking Enhanced Aid for Kaziranga Crash Victims

Assam Congress leader and Leader of the Opposition Debabrata Saikia has sent an urgent letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi requesting enhanced financial aid and long-term rehabilitation for the victims of a catastrophic road accident near Kaziranga National Park. The collision, which occurred on National Highway-715 at Rongajan, claimed 26 lives and left approximately 20 passengers injured.

Saikia urged the central government to raise total ex-gratia compensation to at least 20 lakh rupees for the next of kin of each deceased victim, while providing specialized assistance packages for families that lost multiple relatives. While he acknowledged the initial relief funds announced by the Prime Minister's Office and the state administration, the senior lawmaker argued that the scale of devastation requires a substantially stronger response.

In addition to monetary reparations for bereaved households, the letter urged comprehensive medical rehabilitation, including free treatment and disability support for the wounded survivors. Saikia emphasized the need for livelihood assistance and targeted educational scholarships for dependent children, pointing out that several victims were the primary breadwinners for their working-class families.

The disaster unfolded when an overloaded passenger traveler collided head-on with a container truck along a narrow section of National Highway-715. The impact killed dozens of commuters on the spot, including women, students, and young children, triggering widespread shock and grief across Assam.

In his correspondence with the Prime Minister, Saikia drew direct attention to the deplorable physical condition of National Highway-715, which flanks the eco-sensitive Kaziranga landscape. He alleged that systemic negligence by road management agencies and transport authorities created hazardous conditions that made catastrophic collisions almost inevitable.

Saikia specifically criticized the National Highways Authority of India and local transport bodies for failing to enforce fundamental road safety protocols on the heavily trafficked corridor. He insisted that authorities must not deflect accountability entirely onto commercial vehicle drivers while ignoring poorly maintained road surfaces, absent signage, and chronic congestion.

To curb future tragedies, the opposition leader demanded an immediate and comprehensive road safety audit across the entire stretch of National Highway-715. He also called for the immediate suspension of toll collection along the corridor until thorough structural repairs and safety interventions are carried out.

The tragedy has also exposed acute gaps in emergency trauma services across the rural regions adjoining the national park. Saikia called on the central and state governments to establish a multi-specialty public hospital equipped with an advanced trauma care unit in the Kaziranga-Bokakhat belt to ensure critical victims receive timely medical intervention during the golden hour.

The accident has renewed pressure on policymakers to expedite the long-delayed elevated corridor project planned across animal corridors in Kaziranga. Proponents argue that a modern elevated highway would not only safeguard wildlife migrations but also separate high-speed through-traffic from congested local roads, dramatically reducing collision risks.

As bereaved families in Golaghat and neighboring districts mourn their losses and survivors recover in regional hospitals, public scrutiny remains focused on whether authorities will reform regional transit safety. Saikia expressed hope that the Prime Minister would intervene promptly to grant the requested assistance and mandate accountability for highway administrators.