Construction work of four flyovers in Rajshahi city has been progressing at a slow pace, with none completed even after the project deadline expired in June this year. The prolonged construction has caused inconvenience to residents, while roads around the project sites have been left riddled with potholes, mud and stagnant rainwater.
Residents complain that slow progress, poor coordination and inadequate supervision have turned the development projects into a source of public suffering. During the monsoon, several roads around the construction sites become nearly unusable, increasing the risk of accidents and traffic congestion.
Rajshahi City Corporation (RCC), however, says payment-related complications have been resolved and construction is now moving ahead. The city authority expects two to three flyovers to be opened to traffic by the end of this year.
According to RCC sources, construction of the four flyovers began in late 2023 at a cost of Tk 540 crore to ease traffic congestion at major railway crossings. The projects include the Raypara flyover at Tk 86.19 crore, Bandhgate at Tk 97.70 crore, Bilshimla at Tk 87.30 crore and the largest flyover at Shaheed AHM Kamaruzzaman Square at Tk 270.51 crore.
The deadline for completing three of the flyovers has been extended to December this year, while the deadline for the largest project is being extended to June 2028.
Kamaruzzaman Square flyover has been particularly controversial. Following the fall of the Awami League government, local residents and businesspeople staged demonstrations and submitted memoranda questioning the necessity of the project.
A recent visit to the area found construction of the flyover from Bindur Mor to New Market still at the pillar-construction stage. Partial closure of the important road has caused frequent traffic congestion around the Railgate area.
Businessman Abdur Rahim said the slow pace of construction had severely affected his business. “For nearly six months, there has been almost no business,” he said.
Rickshaw driver Zahidul Islam said potholes and damaged roads were frequently causing vehicle breakdowns. Residents of Bandhgate and Baharampur said road closures were forcing vehicles to take longer routes, wasting both time and fuel.
Majid Sons Executive Director Jargisur Rahman said 75-80% of Bilshimla flyover work had been completed and expressed hope that the project would be finished by December.
RCC Acting Executive Engineer Ahmad Al Moin said three flyovers were expected to be completed by the end of the year. He said Kamaruzzaman Square project was facing various complications and its deadline was being extended until mid-2028.
RCC Administrator Mahfuzur Rahman Riton said payment-related complications had previously slowed construction but had now been resolved. Contractors have been instructed to complete the projects within the revised deadlines.