The Comilla-Noakhali Highway with its dilapidated state at a number of points is causing immense suffering for thousands of commuters and increasing risk of road accidents.
Carpeting at these points got heavily damaged and countless potholes developed on the road that is regularly used by people of Comilla, Chandpur, Noakhali, and Lakshmipur districts.
A 5km stretch of the road in several areas including Sonaimuri Chashir Hat, Natherpetua, and Sonaimuri intersection is now in horrible condition. About three to four feet depth potholes developed in several areas on the road.
Although the Road Transport and Highways Division has done minor repair work on the highway at different times before the Covid-19 situation, it didn’t sustain due to the excessive pressure of heavy vehicles.
Aside from lack of repair work, excessive pressure of heavy vehicles is also greatly responsible for the poor state of the highway.
During the dry seasons, thick fog filled with dust overlays the highway and adjacent areas and causes commuters' suffocation.
Whereas, in the rainy seasons commuters struggle in muddy conditions of the road.
Road accidents have been a common scenario on the highway because of the dilapidated condition of carpeting and frequent potholes.
A passenger bus broke down on the road ahead of Eid-ul-Azha this year, leaving many injured.
While visiting the highway recently, the buses and lorries were seen to move slowly.
Moreover, four-wheeler light vehicles, and three-wheelers were also often seen getting stuck in the muddy pits on the road. In some cases, it took several hours to get the wheels out of the pits.
Locals said the road has long been in a dilapidated condition despite being an important route of the country.
Hundreds of goods-laden vehicles, buses, and light vehicles regularly ply on the highway.
Using the highway becomes riskier after the sunset as there is no streetlamp.
Locals Jasim Uddin, Abdul Awal, and Kamal Hossain expressed their concern over the dilapidated road, saying that the commuters are suffering the most while using the route to reach their various destinations.
They also fear that the road could lead to a major accident and lives may even be lost.
Besides, a long tailback is a common scenario on the road due to the potholes, said the sufferers.
Bus driver Kamal Hossain said the drivers face trouble in plying vehicles on such a bad road.
"The vehicles break down from time to time on this stretch of road, which makes it hard on passengers. We want the road repaired as soon as possible, " he also said.
"We cannot earn enough as we cannot drive vehicles properly. And for this, we are now in great trouble, " he added.
The commuters and drivers are now counting the days to see an end to their troubles and have a hassle-free journey on this road.
Dr Mohammad Ahad Ullah, executive engineer of Comilla Roads and Highways Department, said repair work of the road could not be done due to Covid-19 situation.
‘‘We will start the renovation work soon,” he added.