Dinajpur-Gobindganj highway rundown again 4yrs after Tk 882cr renovation

The Dinajpur-Gobindganj regional highway, a vital road communication link, has become dilapidated and risky for vehicular movement within just four years after it was renovated and widened by the Roads and Highways Department at a cost of Tk 882 crore.

The 106-kilometre regional highway, stretching from Dinajpur town to Gobindaganj upazila of Gaibandha, serves as a link to connect the northern districts, including Dinajpur, Thakurgaon, Panchagarh, Rangpur, Rajshahi, Bogura, and Joypurhat, with Dhaka.

Additionally, it is vital for goods transportation to and from the Hili Land Port in Dinajpur, and also provides access to the Barapukuria coal mines and power plants, and the Maddhyapara Hard Rock Mine in Parbatipur upazila of Dinajpur.

At present, about a 66km stretch of the road has become rundown, potentially unsafe for commuters, with numerous small and large potholes having formed after the bitumen surface wore off.

In particular, the section between Dhaka Mor (intersection) in Phulbari upazila and Charmatha Mor in Gobindganj upazila has become hazardous for commuters, with noticeable dips and uneven surfaces that often lead to drivers losing control of their vehicles, causing accidents including skidding and overturning, especially after dark.

The RHD renovated and widened the regional highway between July 2018 and December 2021 at a cost of Tk 882 crore.

However, within just two years, the road began showing signs of wear. Locals alleged that the road's asphalt surface melts in the summer heat, raising questions regarding the quality of materials used to renovate it, and irregularities in this connection.

"Ahead of the upcoming Eid, there will be huge pressure of vehicles on the road, and its present condition will turn the journey risky for the holidaymakers," said Mominul Islam, a truck driver who uses the road regularly.

He stressed urgently repairing the road to prevent accidents and fatalities.

According to police reports from Dinajpur, Phulbari, Birampur, and Ghoraghat, the road saw a staggering 118 accidents within just the past one year, resulting in 45 deaths among 67 fatalities.

Since January this year, five people have been killed in five accidents reported on the road.

Contractor firms involved in the project said they conducted necessary repairs during the road's defect liability period of three years after completion of the work. However, with the project duration now expired as per contract, the contractors claimed they are no longer obligated to make additional repairs.

Syed Saiful Islam Jewel, convener of the Oil, Gas, Minerals, and Power Resource Protection Committee in Phulbari, accused local politicians and contractors of gross irregularities, including misappropriating the project's budget and using substandard materials for the renovation work.

He called for launching an investigation into these allegations and identifying those responsible to be held accountable.

Contacted, Md Asaduzzaman, executive engineer of RHD in Dinajpur, acknowledged that the regional highway has deteriorated and become risky for vehicular movement.

He gave assurance that the road's rundown sections will be repaired soon, adding that the contractors are still obligated for conducting repairs in areas where the project duration still remains active.