The Feni section of the Dhaka-Chattogram Highway, one of the country’s key economic arteries, has become increasingly hazardous as continuous rain has created numerous potholes along nearly 27 kilometres of the road.
In many places, the road surface has deteriorated, while deep potholes remain submerged under rainwater, making them difficult to spot. Thousands of commuters are being forced to travel at risk, with motorcycle, private car, microbus and ambulance drivers facing the greatest difficulties.
The deteriorating road is also slowing traffic, causing frequent congestion and disrupting the movement of goods.
The Roads and Highways Department (RHD) says repair work is underway on the damaged sections. However, an on-site inspection found numerous potholes still remain along the highway.
Some potholes have been temporarily filled with bricks and road surfacing materials, but the repairs have failed to hold in several places. The uneven surfaces have instead created fresh risks for motorists.
Potholes across key stretches
An inspection from Natun Samiti Bazar in Chhagalnaiya through Muhuriganj, Muhuri Bridge, Kaska and Lemua Bridge to Lalpol found large potholes at several points along the highway.
Most of the potholes were filled with rainwater, making it difficult for drivers to identify them in advance. Many motorists are forced to suddenly change lanes to avoid the potholes, increasing the risk of collisions with speeding buses and trucks. The situation becomes particularly dangerous at night and during heavy rain.
Several sections between Muhuri Bridge and Kaska have undergone temporary repairs. But the repaired areas remain uneven, causing jolts for smaller vehicles.
Little effective repair work was visible at many points from Kaska to Lemua Bridge and from Lemua Bridge to Lalpol.
37 killed in seven months
The deteriorating road condition comes amid a high number of accidents on the Feni section of the highway. From January to July this year, at least 35 accident cases were recorded in the area. According to Fazilpur Highway
Police, 11 accidents occurred in their jurisdiction during the seven-month period, leaving nine people dead and seven injured.
Meanwhile, 24 accidents in the section under Mohipal Highway Police claimed 28 lives during the same period.
Data from the two highway police units show that at least 37 people were killed in accidents on the Feni section in the first seven months of the year.
Concerned stakeholders fear the number of accidents could rise further if the road condition remains unchanged during the monsoon.
Traffic slows, transport costs rise
Potholes at various points are forcing vehicles to move slowly, frequently causing long traffic jams. Passengers are taking longer to reach their destinations, while the movement of cargo trucks and covered vans is also being disrupted.
Transport sector stakeholders said a large portion of the country’s imports and exports passes through Chattogram Port, making the Dhaka-Chattogram Highway the main route for cargo transport.
They said the poor condition of the highway is increasing transportation costs and could have a wider impact on the supply chain.
Drivers concerned
Bus driver Rezaul Karim said it now takes much longer to travel from Baraiyarhat to Mohipal as drivers have to manoeuvre around potholes.
“We have to drive while constantly avoiding potholes. We are always worried about the safety of passengers,” he said.
Motorcycle rider Sayem Chowdhury said the situation becomes particularly dangerous during rain.
“The potholes cannot be seen under rainwater. There is no way to know when or where the wheel might fall into one. Riding a motorcycle has become extremely risky,” he said.
Calls for permanent repairs
Zia Uddin, president of the Feni district committee of Bangladesh Nirapad Sarak Andolon (NISAA), said the damaged sections should be permanently reconstructed instead of undergoing repeated temporary repairs.
He also called for warning signs, speed-control measures and stronger monitoring at accident-prone locations.
Asaduzzaman Dara, former general secretary of the Feni district committee of Nirapad Sarak Chai (NISCHA), said improving drivers’ skills, controlling reckless driving and increasing highway police surveillance were also necessary to reduce accidents.
RHD response
Suniti Chakma, executive engineer of the RHD in Feni, said continuous rainfall had caused potholes at various points along the highway.
“Several sections have already been repaired, while work is underway on the remaining stretches,” she said.
“If there is no rain for the next two days, it will be possible to complete all the repair work,” she said, adding that the Dhaka-bound lane had suffered the most damage.
“Cargo vehicles carrying goods from Chattogram Port put the heaviest pressure on this lane,” she said.
