In 2018, the Roads and Highways Department constructed an 11-kilometer national highway to reduce the distance between Dhaka and northern Bangladesh’s waterways. Built at a cost of Tk98 crore, the road stretches from Bandarhat in Pabna’s Bera upazila to Kheyarchar in Rajbari’s Goalanda upazila.
However, repeated design changes and cost escalations have left the project incomplete.
Eight years later, the highway remains non-functional, with its surface peeling off and sections collapsing due to neglect. Local residents are demanding immediate repairs and commissioning.
Currently, the distance from Pabna to Dhaka via Jamuna Bridge is 233km, while the water route from Kazirhat ferry terminal to Dhaka via Aricha is 147km, including a 16km river crossing taking 1.5-2 hours by launch. To shorten this, authorities planned a new ferry terminal at Kheyarchar downstream from Kazirhat.
Though the Tk98 crore project was approved in 2018, substandard construction by contractors prevented it from becoming operational. In 2022, the project scope expanded to Tk490 crore, proposing an additional 2km road, two bridges, and 24 culverts, totaling Tk978 crore – yet no progress followed.
Recent field visits revealed the road beginning 2km before Kazirhat terminal, cutting through croplands and villages. Large potholes and eroded sections render it unusable.
Farmers like Yusuf Ali Mridha of Paikandi village lament unfulfilled promises of market access for their produce, while primary school teacher Moniruzzaman Khan condemns the “sheer waste of public funds.”
Sub-Divisional Engineer Md Sadekur Rahman of Pabna Roads & Highways confirmed: “A major project including bridges and culverts is planned. Once approved, this Tk978 crore initiative will benefit 10 districts, cutting northern regions’ distance to Dhaka by 85km.”