Madanpur-Madanganj road turns into a death trap

The nearly 11-km Madanpur-Madanganj road in Narayanganj has fallen into severe disrepair within a short time after it was repaired-causing frequent accidents and growing hardship for commuters.

The RHD says overloaded cargo vehicles have caused the road to deteriorate within six months, while locals blame irregularities and poor-quality material used.

Large potholes and broken asphalt are now visible at several points along the crucial road connecting Narayanganj and Munshiganj. In many places, bricks, gravel, and even the lower soil layer have been exposed, making both small and large potholes extremely dangerous. As a result, traffic movement has become risky and difficult. Locals describe the busy road as a "death trap."

The road was repaired at the end of 2023. However, within six months of the repair work, cracks, potholes, and damaged asphalt began to appear at different points on the road. As the road directly connects industrial zones and commercial centres, it is now one of the busiest roads in the Narayanganj district. A large number of people use this route every day, and raw materials and finished goods from nearby industries are transported through it.

During a field visit, it was seen that in many portions, even slow movement of vehicles has become difficult, let alone maintaining a normal speed. Small vehicles often overturn when those pass by heavy trucks. This has led to frequent traffic congestion and increased risk of injuries and deaths. Local residents, workers, students, and businesspeople are facing the worst suffering due to the road's poor condition.

According to the Roads and Highways Department (RHD), the main reason behind the damage is the movement of overloaded trucks and lorries, especially vehicles carrying cement from factories.

Mohammad Ali, a resident of the Bondor rail line area, said that vehicles overturning into roadside ditches has become a regular incident on this road. The risk increases even more after sunset. Auto-rickshaw driver Hossain Mia said that heavy trucks move at high speed without following rules, causing the road to sink and break. A cement company lorry driver, speaking on condition of anonymity, admitted that the road was not built to carry such heavy loads. Still, due to the lack of alternative routes, they are forced to use this road.

Abdur Rahim, Executive Engineer of the RHD Narayanganj office, said that although it is a regional road, a large number of overloaded vehicles use it regularly. He added that a significant amount of money is needed for proper repair, but for now, Tk 70 million has been allocated. Repair work has already started in the most damaged areas, and he hopes the work will be completed by the first week of February.

Local residents have demanded that this important and short-distance route connecting Narayanganj and Munshiganj be rebuilt in a planned and durable way, suitable for an industrial area. Otherwise, they fear the same suffering will continue.

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