Take quick steps to repair roads

We are two weeks away from celebrating the holy Eid-ul-Fitr, the biggest religious festival of the Muslims. The Muslims across the world become filled with the joy of the Eid-ul-Fitr celebrations after the holy month of Ramadan. Holidaymakers will rush to their homes to celebrate the Eid with their near and dear ones. On the occasion of the Eid, home-bound people will begin their journey towards the end of first week of the month of June. But it is feared that this time too, they may face extreme suffering during the journeys to their homes.

This time, the condition of roads and highways is not good due to rain in advance. Most of the roads have become unfit for use. As a result, home-bound people may face great suffering after being trapped in long jam. The condition of roads and highways at different points is very dilapidated. There is also waterlogging problem in the roads. In recent times, roads are being repaired ahead of Eid. Transport owners, labourers and ordinary people fear suffering centring the repair work.

Roads and highways in the country which estimated more than 2,600 kilometers are in bad shape, according to a latest survey report made by Roads and Highways Department (RHD). Out of which, 1,543 kilometers of roads are in very dilapidated condition. The remaining 1,073 kilometers of roads are also bad. Such roads of dilapidated condition are causing accidents frequently. Traffic jam is taking a serious turn due to the ramshackle condition of roads.

Roads may see more traffic jam on the occasion of Eid normally. Then problem will be greater. Special service operates to deal with the rush of home-bound people. During this time, roads are filled with additional vehicles. Passengers are seen to get into buses and get down from buses in the middle of the roads, resulting in long tailback in the roads.

Besides, many points of roads have been occupied by illegal markets which restrict the normal movement of vehicles. As a result, long-distance vehicles take three to six hours more to reach their destination. Sometimes, it takes more time. This problem is likely to be intensified before Eid. Holidaymakers may fall victims to indescribable suffering.

The repair work of roads should be completed as soon as possible. Few days ago at Chandra in Gazipur, Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader said, “Police, roads and highways department (RHD) and local administration will jointly work for reducing traffic jam and suffering.” He instructed the authorities concerned to complete the repair work and make all roads fit for use by June 8.

We expect the authorities concerned will pay their careful notice on the issue and complete the repair work in due time so that holidaymakers can ensure safe journey. Necessary steps will have to take if any irregularities are found while driving vehicles.


risingbd/Dhaka/June 2, 2018/Ali Nowsher/AI