A portion of Kushtia-Rajbari regional highway caved in recently for the third time within a span of two years, disrupting vehicular movement and raising the risk of accidents.
The road stretching from Kumarkhali Bus Stand to Golchattar area was constructed involving Tk 190 crore in 2020. Later, renovation work was carried out in June, 2021 as a portion of it caved in and potholes developed making it unfit for use.
A portion of the important regional highway was again renovated after eight months in November, 2021 as it has become risky now for movement for the same reason.
Locals said 200-300 meter narrow ditches have been created on the road again.
The potholes get filled with water even after a light rain, putting the vehicles and passengers passing the road at risk. Light vehicles like human haulers often overturn on the road, they said.
The road turned unfit for movement several days ago but the authorities concerned did not pay any attention to it, forcing local people to use the road amid risk, they alleged.
During a recent visit, this UNB correspondent foundseveral hundred buses, trucks, private cars, microbus, battery-run three-wheeler vehicles, CNG-run auto-rickshaws use the road daily. There is also a bus stand in the area so many people have to use the road.
Akmal Uddin, a trucker, said he is a regular user of the road. “We have to use the road amid risk and sometimes light vehicles break down, causing immense sufferings to the passengers.”
SM Rafique, a councillor of No 5 War of Kumarkhali municipality, said the Golchattar area has turned into a death trap for people and why the same road turn unfit after repeated renovation works need to be found out.
According to the Kushtia Roads and Highways Department, Zahurul Islam Construction constructed the regional highway at a cost of Tk 190 crore and they completed their renovation work on June 20, 2021.
Shakirul Islam, Executive engineer of Kushtia Roads and Highways Department, said renovation work was carried out last year but they have no information about the current condition of the road.
“If any renovation work is needed then they will take necessary steps after visiting the road soon,” he said.
