The Mahadebpur-Porsha Road in Naogaon lies in a very dilapidated state, hampering the movement of both pedestrians and vehicles.
Lack of maintenance work is the main cause for the condition of the 45km road that leads from Mahadebpur to Porsha upazila, turning the road into a virtual death trap.
Consequently, heavy vehicles like buses, tractors and trucks laden with goods often cause fatal accidents, resulting in a loss of lives.
The road is particularly vulnerable at points from Shibgighi intersection to Shibpur Bazar, form Mahadebpur to Kalna intersection, from Debipur to Nutunhat and from Shisha Hat to Saraigachi Road.
Abdur Rashid Shah, owner of Shah Rice Mills of Porsha upazila, said there were 30 rice mills in the upazila, which supply rice to Naogaon, Dhaka, Chittagong and other districts, adding that consignments of rice cannot reach their destinations in time due to the road’s decrepit condition.
Some businessmen of the upazila travelling on the road said it becomes extremely risky when and after the sun goes down.
Residents of the upazila have demanded that the authorities reconstruct the road immediately to reduce accidents and help promote the economy of the region.
MM Selim, executive engineer of Naogaon Roads and Highways Department, said work to repair the damaged patches on the road started several days ago and that the road would be fit for vehicular movement within a short time.
When asked if the authorities had any plan to reconstruct the road immediately, the engineer said a project proposal for the reconstruction of five roads, including this one, had been sent to higher authorities.
