Potholes make Khulna-Satkhira highway a nightmare

DUMURIA, KHULNA, Aug 21:  The Khulna-Satkhira highway, one of the key routes for trade and transportation of goods to and from the Bhomra Land Port, has fallen into a dilapidated state, causing immense suffering to commuters and increasing the risk of accidents.

The stretch between Tipna Natun Rasta Bazar and Chuknagar Bazar in Dumuria Upazila is riddled with numerous potholes after the asphalt and brick chips have worn away.

During a recent visit, this correspondent found heavy goods-laden trucks, long-distance buses and local easy-bikes struggling to pass through the potholes on the busy highway from Zero Point through Chuknagar towards Satkhira.

Even light rain leaves the potholes waterlogged, turning them into dangerous traps for vehicles and pedestrians.

Abdul Gani Gazi and Md Farhad Sardar, who regularly use the road, said walking through the Tipna Natun Rasta Bazar and Chuknagar areas had become difficult.

“When vehicles fall into the potholes, muddy water splashes onto pedestrians. Motorbikes and easy-bikes often overturn, causing accidents,” they said.

They urged the authorities to repair the road immediately to prevent a major accident.

Sheikh Helal Uddin, chairman of Atlia Union Parishad, said the highway was vital not only for Dumuria but also for the economy of the entire south-western region.

“Thousands of people and vehicles use this road every day. Vehicles often break down because of the potholes, causing long traffic jams,” he said.

He said temporary repairs using bricks and sand often wash away after rain and called for durable carpeting and comprehensive renovation.

Khulna Roads and Highways Department Executive Engineer Md Anisuzzaman Masud said they were aware of the damaged sections around Tipna Natun Rasta and Chuknagar.

“Excessive heavy-vehicle movement and weather conditions have caused the bitumen to wear away in some places, creating potholes. Our team has already inspected the affected areas,” he said.

He said emergency patchwork to fill the potholes would begin soon, while administrative and tender processes for long-term repairs were being expedited.

“A contractor will be appointed as soon as possible and permanent repair work will be completed quickly,” he said.
Locals have urged the authorities to introduce better drainage around the markets, control overloaded trucks and ensure regular maintenance to prevent the road from deteriorating again.