The Dhaka-Chattogram Highway, a vital lifeline for the nation’s commerce, is in dire condition along its Cumilla segment, causing significant disruptions to traffic and creating safety risks for users. Potholes and damaged sections have turned the highway into a perilous route, severely affecting transportation efficiency and safety.

The stretch from Chauddagram to Daudkandi, spanning 105 kilometers, is particularly hazardous, with similar conditions reported in Noapara and other parts of Chauddagram Upazila. Additionally, portions of the two-lane road from Nishchintapur to the Cantonment area in Adarsha Sadar Upazila have suffered notable damage.

Truck drivers, especially those transporting goods, are forced to operate with heightened caution, reducing speeds and contributing to frequent traffic jams. The deteriorating road conditions have turned daily commutes into challenging experiences for both drivers and passengers.

Local residents have voiced their frustrations, citing persistent traffic congestion and dust pollution as daily ordeals. The Chandina Bus Stand area has emerged as a hotspot of distress, where a significant portion of the road has collapsed, exacerbating the difficulties faced by travelers. Beyond the highway, regional roads in Cumilla are also in poor condition.

The 40-kilometer Cumilla-Sylhet regional highway and the 30-kilometer Cumilla-Chandpur regional highway are riddled with potholes and are dangerously narrow, making travel arduous for drivers and passengers alike.

Drivers and Passengers Face Mounting Challenges

Jamil Ahmed Khandaker, President of the Cumilla Motor Association (Bus Owners’ Association), highlighted the severity of the situation, stating that the damaged portions of the highway are causing immense hardship for both drivers and passengers. He urged immediate commencement of repair work to mitigate the crisis.

Abul Hossain, a minibus driver on the Cumilla-Sylhet route, described the daily struggles posed by the narrow roads, heavy vehicles, and numerous potholes, which have turned driving into a constant challenge. Passenger Abdullah Al Maruf from Mudafarganj shared that while the Cumilla section of the Cumilla-Chandpur regional highway is relatively less damaged, traveling through the Chandpur section has become exceedingly difficult.

Government Response

Suniti Chakma, Executive Engineer of the Cumilla Roads and Highways Department, acknowledged the damage caused by recent floods and heavy rains. She assured that repair work would commence within 15 days to address the deteriorating road conditions.

Economic Significance of the Dhaka-Chattogram Highway

As the primary connector between Dhaka and the country’s largest port and commercial hub, Chattogram, the Dhaka-Chattogram Highway is indispensable for facilitating the transportation of goods essential to industries like garments, pharmaceuticals, and agriculture. The highway also plays a crucial role in import-export activities, with approximately 80% of Bangladesh’s international trade relying on this route.

Proper maintenance of this critical corridor is essential to prevent traffic bottlenecks and ensure its capacity as a vital trade route. Local residents and business operators have warned that failure to take swift action will not only compromise road safety but also pose a significant threat to the country’s economic momentum.