In the past year, more than a hundred vehicles have accidentally rammed into the divider where the Dhaka-Khulna Highway and the Madhukhali-Baliakandi regional road converged Dhaka Tribune
Rashedul Hasan, Faridpur
Publish : 26 Oct 2021, 08:12 PMUpdate : 26 Oct 2021, 08:12 PM
Road medians are usually built to prevent collisions among motorists, but the road divider at Pat Bazar intersection of Faridpur’s Madhukhali upazila has apparently been serving the exact opposite purpose.
Due to poor positioning and the lack of proper reflective paints and effective warning signs, the dividers themselves are causing far too many accidents, said locals.
In the past year, more than a hundred vehicles have accidentally rammed into the divider where the Dhaka-Khulna Highway and the Madhukhali-Baliakandi regional road converge.
Many people have been injured and some have even lost their lives.
With the number of accidents rising at the spot where high traffic movement was a usual phenomenon, locals on multiple occasions have suggested that officials at the district Roads and Highways Department (RHD) remove the structure.
But their requests only fell on deaf ears and so now they fear more collisions and casualties in the future if necessary measures are not taken soon.
“The divider was put in place for the welfare of the people but it has now become a cause of misfortune. I have requested the deputy commissioner to remove the divider. He assured that he would take action accordingly,” said Madhukhali Upazila Chairman Mohammad Hidul Islam.
Meanwhile, Madhukhali Municipality Mayor Khandaker Morshed Rahman Limon said: “The matter has been reported to RHD but we have not received any response. We demand immediate action in this regard.”
However, Madhukhali Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Mohammad Ashikur Rahman Chowdhury said: "I have talked to the Faridpur RHD authorities about the matter. They said they would take action soon.”
Speaking on the issue, Faridpur RHD Executive Engineer Nakitul Bari said: “The width of the highway at both ends of the divider will be increased and the divider will be made a little smaller. This will allow vehicles to take turns easily.”
“Besides, signboards and signals will be added at both ends of the divider. Work is underway to take necessary steps in this regard,” he added.
Road AccidentsPowered by Froala Editor
Divider or death trap?
Road medians are usually built to prevent collisions among motorists, but the road divider at Pat Bazar intersection of Faridpur’s Madhukhali upazila has apparently been serving the exact opposite purpose.
Due to poor positioning and the lack of proper reflective paints and effective warning signs, the dividers themselves are causing far too many accidents, said locals.
In the past year, more than a hundred vehicles have accidentally rammed into the divider where the Dhaka-Khulna Highway and the Madhukhali-Baliakandi regional road converge.
Many people have been injured and some have even lost their lives.
With the number of accidents rising at the spot where high traffic movement was a usual phenomenon, locals on multiple occasions have suggested that officials at the district Roads and Highways Department (RHD) remove the structure.
But their requests only fell on deaf ears and so now they fear more collisions and casualties in the future if necessary measures are not taken soon.
“The divider was put in place for the welfare of the people but it has now become a cause of misfortune. I have requested the deputy commissioner to remove the divider. He assured that he would take action accordingly,” said Madhukhali Upazila Chairman Mohammad Hidul Islam.
Meanwhile, Madhukhali Municipality Mayor Khandaker Morshed Rahman Limon said: “The matter has been reported to RHD but we have not received any response. We demand immediate action in this regard.”
However, Madhukhali Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Mohammad Ashikur Rahman Chowdhury said: "I have talked to the Faridpur RHD authorities about the matter. They said they would take action soon.”
Speaking on the issue, Faridpur RHD Executive Engineer Nakitul Bari said: “The width of the highway at both ends of the divider will be increased and the divider will be made a little smaller. This will allow vehicles to take turns easily.”
“Besides, signboards and signals will be added at both ends of the divider. Work is underway to take necessary steps in this regard,” he added.