The construction work of a flyover at Kawalipara Bazar in Dhamrai has remained stalled for several months, leaving commuters and local residents to suffer from worsening traffic congestion and poor road conditions.
The flyover was planned to ease congestion at the busy market and improve connectivity. The construction work began in late 2023 under the Tangail-Delduar-Lauhati Road Development Project.
Work initially progressed at a brisk pace but has remained suspended for several months. The construction has narrowed the main road, while numerous potholes have made traffic movement even more difficult.
The road turns muddy and waterlogged after even light rain, while dust creates additional problems during dry weather, causing significant inconvenience to commuters and local residents.
Local residents said vehicles move slowly through the area because of the narrowed road and potholes, resulting in long traffic tailbacks almost every day.
Rajan Ahmed, a resident of Madarpur in Balia union who regularly travels along the road, said congestion at Kawalipara can be severe. “Sometimes it takes us one to one and a half hours just to get through the traffic jam,” he said.
Suman Ahmed, a resident of Nandeshwari, urged the authorities concerned to complete the project quickly. “We want the work to be completed as soon as possible so that we can be free from this daily traffic ordeal,” he said.
According to the Manikganj Roads and Highways Department, the main structure of the flyover has already been completed. However, work on the approach and service roads has been delayed due to administrative complications over land acquisition.
Engineer Shahriar Alam of the department said the land acquisition process is currently underway at the Dhaka Deputy Commissioner’s office. “Once the land acquisition process is completed and the required land is handed over to us, the approach road can be completed. The flyover can then be opened to traffic,” he said.
Residents and regular commuters hope the land acquisition issues will be resolved soon and the remaining work completed without further delay, easing the long-standing congestion and commuting problems at Kawalipara Bazar.