The sole access road to Burimari Land Port, the Lalmonirhat–Burimari highway stretching 100 kilometers, is facing safety risks and is unsuitable for traffic due to numerous potholes and surface irregularities. Local residents claim that despite sporadic minor repairs conducted by the Roads and Highways Department (RHD), the fixes do not provide a lasting solution.
RHD sources have disclosed that approximately 9-10 kilometers of the highway, characterized by potholes and surface irregularities, are currently undergoing temporary repairs. The damaged sections are being repaired with brick soling, while the protruding parts are being dismantled and resurfaced. However, these repairs are anticipated to last only for the next five to six months. This route sees over 10,000 vehicles daily, including about 2,000 heavy vehicles.
Shafiqul Islam, a truck driver, expressed concerns about the hazardous conditions of the Lalmonirhat–Burimari highway, citing that the abrupt jolts from potholes and surface irregularities often lead to accidents, posing a significant risk to drivers. Meanwhile, Mizanur Rahman, a motorcyclist from Votmari area, described the nighttime motorcycle rides on this road as terrifying, attributing many accidents to the surface irregularities. He mentioned that although RHD intermittently repairs the road, it deteriorates quickly due to the use of substandard materials.
Azaharul Islam, a businessman from Parulia area, highlighted the lack of development projects aimed at enhancing the highway’s condition, despite its status as one of the busiest in the country. Mozammel Haque, the sub-divisional engineer of RHD in Lalmonirhat, explained that the highway’s issues stem from the deteriorated bitumen cover and worn-out surface, leading to bulges and potholes. He mentioned ongoing temporary repairs and the submission of a project proposal for major repair work, pending allocation of funds and subsequent tendering processes.