MOST of the major highways and district roads now have become nearly unusable with numerous potholes due to sub-standard construction. Besides, illegal occupation and ongoing maintenance work have left people worrying about their holidaymaking during the upcoming Eid-ul Fitr vacations. The dilapidated conditions of Dhaka-Tangail, Dhaka-Mymensingh, Dhaka- Chattogram and Joshore-Khulna highways have aggravated by rain recently. There is a widespread apprehension that upcoming Eid journeys could turn into a nightmare if the present situation continues. Bangladesh has recently upgraded to middle income country status and positioned itself in the orbit of development. However, the dilapidated roads and highways across the country tell a different story.
As per data, presently about 26 percent national and regional highways and district roads are in poor to very bad conditions, especially in Rajshahi, Khulna and Dhaka zones. Between November 2017 and January this year, 17,976.3km of RHD’s total network of 21,481km has been surveyed, which showed that about 54 percent highways and roads are in good condition, 20 percent in fair, about 12 percent in poor, about six percent in bad and about nine percent in very bad condition.
Dhaka-Tangail-Bangabandhu Jamuna Bridge highway that connects 22 northern districts with the capital, Chattogram and Sylhet are now in a bad condition. The traffic goes at a snail’s pace because of the potholes and under construction work of four lanes, creating gridlock for hours. Dhaka-Mymensingh highway is now a nightmare for the commuters. Ongoing construction of bus rapid transit on Gazipur-Airport road creates huge congestion, which worsens due to the keeping of construction materials on roads, illegal shops and parking. The Dhaka-Chattogram highway situation worsens due to potholes and incessant rainfall.
It’s an open secret that, repair and up-gradation works of the busiest highways are mired by corruption and irregularities. Besides, sub-standard repairs would be affected in little rain and it could not take heavy pressure of vehicles. Obviously, it would create huge tailbacks.
The Ministry concerned has proved its ineptness beyond any doubt. We urge the government to take urgent measures to make the roads and highways fit for smooth communication before the journeys of Eid.
