In disrepair for a decade
Shipyard Road, one of the busiest entrances to Khulna city, is becoming unusable for vehicular movement, as it has remained unrepaired for the last 10 years.
The thoroughfare, stretching for around 4 kilometres from Khanjahan Ali Bridge (Rupsha Bridge) to Rupsha intersection, has been in disrepair as authorities concerned are turning a blind eye to this situation, alleged locals.
Residents have long been staging demonstrations demanding urgent renovation, but to no avail.
Due to its dilapidated condition, vehicles often get stuck in large potholes and overturn on the road. When it rains, the road becomes impassable, and during the post-rain period, sand and dust engulf the entire area.
Officials said the road had been under Khulna City Corporation (KCC). However, KCC handed over the authority to Khulna Development Authority (KDA) in 2013. Since then, KDA has not repaired it.
The Ecnec in May 2013 approved "Khulna Shipyard Road Widening and Development Project" to implement it within June 2015.
Later, the project implementation period was extended to June 2018, June 2020 and June 2022. On November 8 last year, the Ecnec approved the latest extension to June 2024.
On January 12 last year, the work order was given to Ataur Rahman Limited and Mahabub Brothers Private Limited (JV) to reconstruct the 3.778-km and 60-foot wide road, install drains on both sides and a culvert on Matiakhali canal, and build a bridge on Labonchhara canal in 14 months.
The cost of the project has increased from Tk 98.90 crore to Tk 259.21 crore, according to KDA sources.
During a recent visit, The Daily Star found big potholes in the middle of the road filled with bricks. Vehicles were struggling to move forward. Three-wheelers and other light vehicles were seen plying the road amid the dust.
The part of the road in Banda Bazar area was even worse.
Nurul Huda Monir, a resident of ward-31, said, "During monsoon, the road turns into a canal, and in the dry season, it becomes a dust zone."
"It is the only road for the movement of thousands of people in ward-31, which includes Banda Bazar and Chanmari Bazar," he further said.
It is a busy road as Khulna Shipyard, Dada Match Factory, Cement Factory, Modern Rice Mill and many shrimp processing factories, as well as multiple schools and colleges are located on both of its sides. Besides, many small factories have been set up around the bridge.
Iqbal Hossan Biplob, president of Nirapad Sarak Andolon of Khulna city unit, told The Daily Star, "Commuters have been suffering for years. At least five educational institutions are situated beside the road where hundreds of students face trouble to attend classes."
"Many vehicles avoid the main entrance road, which creates traffic jams at Gallamary and Zero Point," he added.
Acknowledging the issues, KDA executive engineer and project director Md Arman Hossain said, "We had to spend a lot of time to acquire land."
He said around 49 percent work has been done and the rest would be completed soon.
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