Residents of several villages in Ullapara upazila of Sirajganj have been enduring severe hardship due to the dilapidated condition of a key rural road that has remained largely neglected for nearly two decades.
The road, stretching from Hatdelua Battola intersection to Goaljani Ainul Haque Bazar, serves as a vital lifeline for thousands of residents, connecting villages with local markets, schools, healthcare facilities and service centres.
However, years of neglect have left the road riddled with potholes, eroded edges and broken sections, severely disrupting daily life and economic activities.
According to locals, around two kilometres of the road under the Local Government Engineering Department (LGED) have remained without renovation since it was paved about 20 years ago. As a result, potholes have developed at various points, while both sides of the road are also eroding.
The condition of the road worsens during rainfall. Even a small amount of rain makes the road almost unusable, forcing commuters to spend nearly two hours on a journey that should normally take only 30 minutes.
Local farmers say transporting agricultural products to markets has become increasingly difficult, while students often struggle to reach their educational institutions on time. Patients and elderly residents also face serious difficulties travelling.
“Travelling on this road has become a daily challenge. During the rainy season, vehicles can hardly move, and people are forced to walk through mud and water,” said a local resident.
Residents said the carpeting layer of the road from Hatdelua Battola intersection to the southern corner intersection near the eastern bank of Chowdhurygati Pond vanished several years ago. Since then, no major repair work has been carried out.
They alleged that repeated appeals to the upazila administration seeking renovation of the road have brought little result, leaving local people frustrated.
The road plays a vital role in connecting villages with local markets and service centres. Residents believe that immediate renovation is necessary to restore normal communication and support local economic activities.
Upazila Engineer Md Shohidullah said steps will be taken to renovate the road in the public interest. “The process for renovating the road is already underway,” he said.
Executive Engineer of Sirajganj LGED Md Rezaur Rohman said instructions had already been given to the upazila engineer regarding the renovation work.
He added that a tender for the improvement of the rural road is expected to be invited within the next few days.
Local people now hope that the long-awaited renovation work will begin soon and bring relief to thousands of residents who depend on the road everyday travel.