Potholes turn S’ganj-Raiganj highway into nightmare

SIRAJGANJ, Oct 20: A 21-kilometre regional highway from Katherpul in Sirajganj to Chandikona via Raiganj Upazila Parishad has developed numerous potholes, causing serious problems for thousands of commuters and hundreds of vehicles every day.

The worst stretch is around Haat Pangasi Bazar in Raiganj, where the road has become difficult to use due to potholes, uneven surfaces and water-logging after even light rain.

The road surface, much of which has been laid with brick soling, has deteriorated at several points from Bahuli Bazar in Sirajganj Sadar Upazila to Alampur in Raiganj.

Drivers and passengers said the poor condition of the road is causing frequent vehicle breakdowns and making journeys longer and more difficult.
Abdur Rahman, a CNG-run auto-rickshaw driver, said hundreds of potholes have developed at several points between Katherpul and Raiganj Upazila Parishad, particularly around Haat Pangasi Bazar.

“The road has become almost unusable in some places. CNGs often break down because of the poor road condition, while passengers have to suffer,” he said.
Adding to the concern are five Bailey bridges along the highway. The bridges were built a long time ago and are considered risky for heavy vehicles, raising fears of accidents.

The Roads and Highways Department (RHD) has put up warning signs beside the bridges, prohibiting vehicles weighing more than five tonnes from using them.
According to RHD sources, Tk 242.54 crore has been allocated for reconstruction and renovation of the 21-km highway.

Of the allocation, Tk 59.22 crore will be spent on removing the five Bailey bridges and constructing five concrete bridges in their place.
The highway will also be widened from 18 feet to 24 feet, the sources said.

“Potholes and other problems on the highway have been causing public suffering for a long time. After the issue came to our attention, we informed the higher authorities and sent a project proposal for reconstruction and renovation,” he said.

The project has since received an allocation of Tk 242.54 crore, he said, adding that a tender was invited on September 3.

“Work on reconstruction and renovation will begin soon. The five risky Bailey bridges will also be replaced with concrete bridges. Once the project is completed, the problems faced by commuters will be resolved,” he added.