Mushtaq Ahmed Shawon (N’ganj Correspondent) :
The 12-kilometer stretch of road from Shimarail intersection to Adamjee EPZ and Chashara, one of Narayanganj’s most vital routes, has fallen into a state of disrepair, causing immense hardship for commuters.
The road, which serves as a key access route to major landmarks such as Adamjee EPZ, Siddhirganj Power Station, and various government offices, has been plagued by massive potholes, creating significant risks for vehicles and pedestrians alike.
The road, which also connects vital locations like Siddhirganj Police Station, RAB-11 headquarters, and several industrial zones, sees heavy traffic daily, including battery-operated rickshaws, trucks, buses, and oil tankers. However, the deteriorating condition of the road has turned daily commutes into a nightmare.
Large sections of the asphalt are missing, leaving deep potholes that, when filled with water after rainfall, pose significant hazards.
“Driving on this road is becoming increasingly dangerous,” said Jasim, a covered van driver who regularly transports goods to Adamjee EPZ. “Many parts of the road have completely lost their surface, leaving huge potholes. It’s incredibly challenging to navigate through this route with cargo.”
The condition is particularly alarming near areas such as Siddhirganj Bridge, Adamjee EPZ, Siddhirganj Police Station, and the IT School, where massive potholes make driving extremely hazardous. The situation has led to frequent minor accidents and, in some cases, damage to vehicles.
Saidul, a battery-operated rickshaw driver, highlighted the severe difficulty rickshaw drivers face. “It’s almost impossible to drive here safely,” he said. “Our rickshaws often tip over, causing injuries to passengers. The road is a major risk for everyone, but especially for smaller vehicles like ours.”
Students using the road to commute to school have also voiced their concerns. Samia Sultana, a student from Narayanganj Women’s College, said, “We use this road daily to get to college, but the potholes make it risky. The stretch near Siddhirganj Police Station and IT School is particularly bad. Immediate repairs are necessary before someone gets seriously hurt.”
The stretch from Shimarail intersection to Pathantuli falls under the jurisdiction of the Narayanganj Roads and Highways Department (RHD), while the section from Pathantuli to Chashara is maintained by Ward 11 of Narayanganj City Corporation. Despite the road’s importance, commuters have expressed frustration that little has been done to address the deteriorating condition over the years.
In response to these concerns, Md. Zakir Hossain, Chief Executive Officer of Narayanganj City Corporation, assured that road repairs are in the works. “Several repair initiatives are underway, and we hope to begin fixing the road near the IT School and Duck Farm area soon,” he said.
Meanwhile, Shahana Ferdous, Executive Engineer of the Narayanganj Roads and Highways Department, provided an update on the situation. “We are temporarily filling the large potholes in the Adamjee area, and contractors have been appointed. Full-scale repairs will begin shortly,” she confirmed.
Commuters remain hopeful that the authorities will expedite the necessary repairs, as the current state of the road poses serious safety risks for thousands of people who rely on it daily. As the authorities work toward restoring the road, residents and drivers alike continue to call for swift action to prevent further accidents and improve the quality of life for those who depend on this crucial route.