The road on the Kalmakanda border upazila in Netrakona has become dilapidated. This important road under the Roads and Highways Department is used by various modes of transports and people cannot proceed properly as the entire road has become muddy.
It is learned that the only border road to travel through Kalmakanda Upazila is Haluaghat and Dhobaura Upazilas of Durgapur in Mymensingh and Sylhet Road via Sunamganj. The road has turned worst due to poor quality work.
The roadside is filled with soil from agricultural land. The road is important for the movement of people in border areas and tourist spots.
Legura, Kharnai, and Rangchati are the three unions of the border area. The work order for this road was given to RBL Contractors at a cost of Tk 720 million (72 crore). Although the work started in November 2020 about 30 per cent of the work has been done so far. The work order is due to expire in August this year.
Kamal Majumder, Director (operations), RBL Contractors, said such a big task could not be completed within the stipulated time. The duration of the project needs to be extended.
Shamim Mia said the condition of the road has become very fragile and unfit for movement due to continuous rain for the last few days. Rickshaws, vans, tractors, motorcycles, private cars and other vehicles get stuck in the mud. Pedestrians and daylabourers are the worst sufferers.
Netrakona Roads and Highways Department Sub-Divisional Engineer.Maidul Islam said the border road from Maheshkala to Gobindpur is being repaired, expanded and bridges are being constructed at a cost of Tk720 million (72 crore). He added that the contractor has been asked to make the road passable.
