United News of Bangladesh

For residents of several villages in Ullapara upazila in Sirajganj, a journey stretching just a few kilometres has become a daily struggle due to the wretched condition of the Gonaigati Road. The approximately 2.5-kilometre road stretches from Gonaigati Kheaghat on the western bank of the Gohala River to Kumar Bridge on the Suja-Kaliakoir road. Once a key route for local people, it has now turned into a muddy, pothole-ridden track, causing immense hardship for thousands of residents. Locals say the road has remained unrepaired for years despite repeated appeals to the authorities. Even light rainfall leaves the road nearly impossible to traverse, as water accumulates in large potholes and muddy sections. As the monsoon approaches, fears are growing that the situation will worsen further. Students are among the worst sufferers. Local residents said many school and college students now need up to two and a half hours to travel a distance that would normally take around an hour. “During the rainy season, it becomes almost impossible to walk on the road. Sometimes we have to take long detours to reach school,” said a local student. Farmers are also paying a heavy price. The area is known for its agricultural production, but poor transport links make it difficult for growers to take paddy and other produce to nearby markets. Auto-rickshaws and other small vehicles often get stuck in the mud, forcing passengers and drivers to push them through damaged sections. Minor accidents are also reported regularly. Residents of villages including Kayemkhola, Kaliakoir, Shuja and Kaibartagati said the condition of the road has disrupted daily life and affected access to schools, markets and healthcare facilities. “The suffering of farmers, students and ordinary people is endless. We have submitted applications several times, but no effective action has been taken,” said a local resident. Many villagers expressed frustration that repair work has yet to begin despite the road's importance to the area's economy and daily life. Ullapara Upazila Engineer M Shahidullah said several roads in the upazila have already been included in development projects under the Local Government Engineering Department (LGED). “The Gonaigati Road will also be brought under a development project soon,” he said. Sirajganj LGED Executive Engineer Rezaur Rahman said steps are already being taken to include the road in a development scheme. He expressed hope that the project would be approved in the public interest, bringing long-awaited relief to thousands of residents who depend on the road every day. Until then, however, people in the area remain stuck on a road that has become a symbol of neglect and an obstacle to daily life.