The Ongoing Crisis of Neglected Roads in Rangpur
The roads in Rangpur district and the city have been in a state of disrepair for decades, causing significant hardship for residents. Approximately 550 kilometers of roads remain in deplorable condition, affecting thousands of commuters, students, transport workers, and patients daily.
According to the office of the Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Rangpur Range, there were 76 road accidents in the district over the past two years, resulting in 51 deaths and 356 injuries. Locals describe the situation as dire, with roads riddled with cracks and potholes that make many routes nearly impassable.
Despite repeated petitions and symbolic protests, such as planting saplings along broken roads, authorities have yet to take visible steps towards repairs. Data from the Rangpur Local Government and Engineering Department (LGED) shows that out of 7,738 kilometers of roads across eight upazilas, 240 kilometers are severely damaged.
Key Areas in Distress
- Bhedarganj upazila: 27.197 kilometers of roads in poor condition.
- Gangachara: 22.295 kilometers of roads in poor condition.
- Kaunia: 16.650 kilometers of roads in poor condition.
- Mithapukur: 74.120 kilometers of roads in poor condition.
- Pirgachha: 33.73 kilometers of roads in poor condition.
- Pirganj: 40.470 kilometers of roads in poor condition.
- Taraganj: 10.480 kilometers of roads in poor condition.
- Sadar upazila: 20.200 kilometers of roads in poor condition.
Rangpur City Corporation (RpCC) reports that 300 kilometers of roads out of 302 square kilometers across its 33 wards have deteriorated badly. A four-kilometer stretch from Jahaj Company to Satmatha has become a virtual death trap for travelers, according to locals.
The Rangpur Roads and Highways Department (RHD) also admits that 11 kilometers of its 382-kilometer road network are in extremely poor shape. A 2.29-kilometer section from Medical East Gate to Burirhat is riddled with potholes and erosion, frequently going under water during rains. Temporary repairs have proven ineffective.
Similarly, an eight-kilometer stretch between Rangpur Medical intersection and Modern intersection, along with another one-kilometer portion near Paglapir on the National Highway, has also become hazardous.
An RHD official, requesting anonymity, said that a tender was floated for a Tk 7 crore road repair project for the Medical-Burirhat in March last year, but it is still awaiting approval from the secretary’s office.
Funding Challenges
“Besides, an additional Tk 38 crore is urgently needed for the Road Division but remains unfunded,” the official added. Rangpur RHD Executive Engineer Md Moniruzzaman said Tk 37 crore is currently required to repair regional roads, but the proposal is pending fund release.
“Without approval, we can’t begin the work and people continue to suffer,” he said. LGED Executive Engineer Md Musa said Tk 120 crore is needed to repair 240 kilometers of rural roads. “But Tk 20 crore in previous allocations remains unpaid. Of the Tk 140 crore needed, only Tk 70 crore has been approved so far — insufficient to complete the repairs,” he said.
Rangpur City Corporation Supervising Engineer Azam Ali also noted the dire state of city roads. “Tk 210 crore is required to fix the city’s 300-kilometer road network. Without funding, no repair work is possible,” he added.
During a recent visit to the affected areas, this UNB correspondent found most roads filled with deep potholes, forcing vehicles to sway dangerously. Even a light drizzle turns these roads into muddy, impassable stretches.
Community Frustration
Locals said accidents have become an almost daily occurrence, yet neither the government nor the ministry appears to be taking effective measures. “We’ve protested in every way possible, but nothing changes,” said Abdul Hamid, a resident of Pirgachha.
Transport owners are equally frustrated. “Our buses and trucks are constantly getting damaged due to the poor condition of the roads,” said Abdul Majid, a bus owner in Rangpur city. “Vehicle parts wear out faster, maintenance costs have skyrocketed, and we are forced to raise fares – passengers are the ones who suffer most,” he added.
Rangpur Divisional Commissioner Shahidul Islam said funding requests have been sent to the relevant ministries. “We are hopeful that allocations will be approved soon and repair work will commence accordingly,” he said.
