Aizawl, June 28, 2025: The Transport Department of the Mizoram Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) issued a statement today criticizing the ruling Zoram People's Movement (ZPM) government for failing to improve crucial roads in the state, despite collecting a significant cess from petrol and diesel sales.
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According to the Congress, the state government collected nearly ₹23 crore as road maintenance cess between September 2024 and March 2025 by levying an additional 2% cess each on petrol and diesel. However, the party alleged that none of this revenue has been visibly used for road repairs or maintenance.
Congress leaders claimed the burden of high fuel prices was unjustly placed on the public, particularly on low-income individuals and transport operators, without corresponding improvements in road infrastructure. They also pointed out the poor condition of vital routes like the Vairengte-Aizawl stretch and the Khamrang-Sairang road, which remain neglected under the ZPM administration.
Terming it “deeply disappointing,” the Congress stated that the inaction has serious implications, not just for daily commuters but also in emergency situations where access to healthcare and essential services is compromised due to the deteriorated condition of roads.
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The MPCC also raised questions over the government’s apparent inability to ensure that National Highway projects under the National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) are properly executed. The Congress questioned why critical highways remain in poor shape and whether there are underlying issues between the ZPM government and NHIDCL.
The party demanded clarity on the matter and urged the government to immediately address public concerns, ensure transparency on the usage of the cess collected, and prioritize road development for the benefit of all citizens.
