A vital 12-kilometre road in Manikganj’s Singair Upazila has become severely damaged due to the passage of heavy trucks carrying earth from brick kilns and agricultural land.
The stretch from Maniknagar Bazar to Sirajpur Bazar and from Palpara Mannar Dokan to Fatehpur Bazar has now turned into a hazardous journey, filled with potholes and cracked surfaces. In some places, the asphalt has been completely torn up, and large holes have appeared, some reaching knee-deep.
Locals report that every day, dozens of trucks carrying up to 10-15 tonnes of soil and bricks pass through this road. However, the road, which is designed for lighter traffic, has been unable to withstand the weight of these trucks. As a result, the pavement is breaking down, and the road surface is sinking in several sections.
Residents have raised concerns that illegal brick kilns and the ongoing business of soil extraction from agricultural land along the road are the primary culprits behind the deterioration.
During the rainy season, the mud falling from the trucks further worsens the situation, making the road slippery and dangerous. After a heavy downpour, parts of the road turn into flooded pits, causing even more hazards for commuters.
Local resident and volunteer group leader Tariqur Rahman said, “Heavy trucks from the brick kilns and soil businesses travel day and night. Due to the overload, the road cannot endure. Even after repairs, it gets destroyed again within six months.”
Every day, over a hundred thousand people from Chandhar Union and surrounding areas use this road. Anwar Sikdar, a pedestrian, described the conditions: “During the rains, the road becomes a mix of mud and water. Even healthy people can fall ill from walking on this road.”
Driver Alinur Rahman commented, “The large holes caused by the trucks break the springs and tires of our smaller vehicles.”
Passenger Habibur Rahman expressed concerns about the safety of vulnerable groups, “This is a nightmare for patients and pregnant women. Ambulances refuse to come through here.”
Local residents are demanding not only repairs but also stringent measures to control the truck traffic and the soil business in order to prevent further damage. They argue that without action, even millions in funding would be wasted.
In response, Upazila Engineer Md Ashraful Alam stated that the road project proposal from Maniknagar to Sirajpur Bazar has been approved, and work will begin soon. Additionally, a proposal for the road from Mannar Dokan to Fatehpur Bazar will be submitted for the 2026-27 financial year.
