Repair work on the Rajarhat–Anandabazar road in Kurigram has remained incomplete beyond schedule, leaving at least 30,000 residents from 15 villages facing prolonged hardship as sections of the road remain dug up and unusable.
The Local Government Engineering Department (LGED) under its Rural Connectivity Improvement Project (RCIP) awarded the maintenance contract in 2023, but work has remained suspended for more than a year after excavation began.
The project was estimated at Tk17,66,60,365, but was awarded at around 16 per cent lower at Tk14,49,46,010 to Rangpur-based contractor Khairul Kabir Rana.
Work began in August 2024, but large stretches were dug up and left unfinished, worsening an already deteriorated road where bitumen and stone layers had eroded over time.
Under the contract, the work was scheduled for completion by 30 January 2026.
The 12-kilometre road connects Rajarhat Upazila to Ulipur–Kurigram road via Farkerhat Bazar in Umarmajid Union and is a key route for two upazilas.
Thousands of vehicles and pedestrians use the road daily, making it a vital link for communication and transport.
Locals said the road has become nearly impassable after excavation work was halted, forcing risky travel conditions.
Auto-rickshaw driver Mostafa Mia said vehicles now move at risk due to the poor condition of the road.
College student Suman said students face difficulties commuting to schools and colleges.
Resident Ataur Rahman Ata said even emergency services such as fire service and ambulances cannot reach the area when needed.
Contractor Khairul Kabir Rana said work had been delayed due to some issues but has now resumed.
Birganj Upazila engineer on additional duty Pradip Kumar said the project had remained stalled for some time but discussions with the contractor have been held.
“He has assured that work will not be halted again and will be completed quickly,” he said.
Residents said they hope the renewed commitment will ease the prolonged suffering caused by the stalled project.
