Over 550km roads in Rangpur have fallen into severe disrepair due to prolonged neglect and poor maintenance, forcing thousands of commuters, students, transport workers and patients to endure hardship every day.
According to data from the office of the Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Rangpur Range, at least 76 road accidents occurred in the past two years, claiming 51 lives and injuring 356 others, reports UNB.
Locals said most roads, riddled with potholes and cracks, have become nearly impassable, with some routes turning into death traps.
Despite several petitions and symbolic protests including tree-planting drives along broken stretches, authorities have yet to take visible steps toward permanent repairs.
Rangpur Local Government and Engineering Department (LGED) data shows that 7,738km of roads across eight upazilas, about 240km are badly damaged.
Among them, 27.19km are in poor condition in Bhedarganj upazila, 22.29km in Gangachara, 16.65km in Kaunia, 74.12km in Mithapukur, 33.73 km in Pirgachha, 40.47km in Pirganj, 10.48km in Taraganj, and 20.20km in Sadar upazila.
Meanwhile, the Rangpur City Corporation (RpCC) reports that around 300km of roads across its 33 wards are in dire condition. The four-kilometre stretch between Jahaj Company and Satmatha has become particularly perilous for travellers.
The Rangpur Roads and Highways Department (RHD) also acknowledges that 11km of its 382-km network are in extremely poor shape.
The 2.29-km stretch from Medical East Gate to Burirhat is filled with potholes and erosion, often going underwater during rainfall. Officials said temporary repairs have repeatedly failed to withstand weather conditions.
Similarly, the eight-kilometre section between Rangpur Medical intersection and Modern intersection, as well as a one-kilometre portion near Paglapir on the National Highway, are also in hazardous condition.
An RHD official, seeking anonymity, said a tender was floated in March last year for a Tk 7cr road repair project covering the Medical–Burirhat stretch, but it still awaits approval from the secretary’s office.
“Another Tk 38cr is urgently required for the Road Division, but funding has yet to be approved,” the official added.
Rangpur RHD Executive Engineer Md Moniruzzaman said around Tk 37cr is needed to repair regional roads. “Without fund release, we cannot begin the work, and people continue to suffer,” he said.
LGED Executive Engineer Md Musa said Tk 120cr is required to fix 240km of rural roads. “But Tk 20cr from previous allocations remains unpaid. Out of Tk 140cr needed, only Tk 70cr has been approved, which is far from enough,” he explained.
Rangpur City Corporation Supervising Engineer Azam Ali echoed similar concerns, saying, “The city’s 300-kilometre road network needs Tk 210cr for repairs. Without financial support, no significant work can be done.”
A recent field visit revealed that most roads are filled with deep craters, forcing vehicles to move at a snail’s pace. Even light rain turns the stretches muddy and treacherous.
Accidents have become routine, locals said, but authorities have yet to take effective steps.
“We have tried everything from protests to symbolic acts, but nothing changes,” said Abdul Hamid, a resident of Pirgachha.
Transport owners expressed frustration over the mounting costs. “Our buses and trucks suffer constant damage due to the deplorable roads,” said Abdul Majid, a bus owner in Rangpur city.
“Maintenance costs have shot up, forcing us to increase fares ultimately, it is the passengers who bear the burden,” he added.
Rangpur Divisional Commissioner Shahidul Islam said requests for funds have been forwarded to the concerned ministries. “We hope allocations will be approved soon so that repair work can start promptly,” he said.
