Over 550 kilometres of roads across Rangpur district and Rangpur city remain in a state of disrepair, causing daily hardship for thousands of commuters, students, transport workers, and patients.
Despite decades of neglect and repeated appeals from residents, authorities have yet to initiate meaningful repairs.
According to the office of the Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Rangpur Range, the district recorded 76 road accidents over the past two years, resulting in 51 fatalities and 356 injuries.
Locals blame the deteriorating road conditions—marked by deep cracks, erosion, and potholes—for making many routes nearly impassable and increasingly dangerous.
Symbolic protests, including sapling plantations along broken stretches, have failed to prompt action.
Data from the Local Government and Engineering Department (LGED) reveals that out of 7,738 kilometres of roads across eight upazilas, 240 kilometres are severely damaged.
The worst-hit areas include Mithapukur (74.12km), Pirganj (40.47km), Pirgachha (33.73km), Bhedarganj (27.20km), Gangachara (22.30km), Sadar (20.20km), Kaunia (16.65km), and Taraganj (10.48km).
In Rangpur city, the situation is equally dire.
The Rangpur City Corporation (RpCC) reports that 300 kilometres of roads across its 33 wards have deteriorated significantly.
A four-kilometre stretch from Jahaj Company to Satmatha has become a “death trap,” according to residents.
The Roads and Highways Department (RHD) acknowledges that 11 kilometres of its 382-kilometre network are in critical condition.
A 2.29-kilometre section from Medical East Gate to Burirhat is riddled with potholes and erosion, frequently flooding during rains.
Temporary fixes have failed to hold. Other hazardous stretches include the eight-kilometre road between Rangpur Medical and Modern intersections, and a one-kilometre segment near Paglapir on the National Highway.
An RHD official, speaking anonymously, said a Tk7 crore repair project for the Medical–Burirhat road was tendered in March last year but is still awaiting approval from the secretary’s office.
“An additional Tk38 crore is urgently needed for the Road Division, but no funds have been allocated yet,” the official added.
RHD Executive Engineer Md Moniruzzaman confirmed that Tk37 crore is required to repair regional roads.
“Without approval, we can’t begin the work, and people continue to suffer,” he said.
LGED Executive Engineer Md Musa stated that Tk120 crore is needed to repair 240 kilometres of rural roads.
“Tk20 crore from previous allocations remains unpaid. Of the Tk140 crore required, only Tk70 crore has been approved—far short of what’s needed,” he explained.
Rangpur City Corporation Supervising Engineer Azam Ali echoed the concern, noting that Tk210 crore is required to fix the city’s 300-kilometre road network. “Without funding, no repair work is possible,” he said.
A recent visit to the affected areas revealed roads riddled with deep potholes, forcing vehicles to sway dangerously.
Even light rain turns these stretches into muddy, impassable terrain.
Locals say accidents have become a daily occurrence, yet no effective measures have been taken.
“We’ve protested in every way possible, but nothing changes,” said Abdul Hamid, a resident of Pirgachha.
Transport owners are equally frustrated.
“Our buses and trucks are constantly getting damaged due to the poor condition of the roads,” said Abdul Majid, a bus owner in Rangpur city.
“Vehicle parts wear out faster, maintenance costs have skyrocketed, and we are forced to raise fares—passengers suffer the most.”
Rangpur Divisional Commissioner Shahidul Islam said funding requests have been sent to the relevant ministries.
“We are hopeful that allocations will be approved soon and repair work will commence accordingly,” he said.