Once considered a crucial regional lifeline, the Chuadanga–Darshana road has now turned into a symbol of chronic neglect, corruption and repeated failure.

Despite being repaired more than 10 times over the past two and a half years, spending Tk 8.62 crore, the road remains unfit for travel, leaving thousands of commuters at daily risk.

The highway, one of Chuadanga’s five key regional routes, was resurfaced repeatedly by the Roads and Highways Department (RHD). Yet the 9.7-kilometre stretch from Chuadanga District Jail to Dugdugi Bazar in Damurhuda upazila is today riddled with deep potholes, sharp depressions, raised patches and crumbling sections.

Locals say the so-called repairs have achieved nothing. Instead, the road’s condition has worsened so drastically that buses, trucks, microbuses and smaller vehicles struggle to pass through its hazardous segments — often at crawling speed and at constant risk of accidents.

Many residents accuse contractors and officials of siphoning off government funds under the cover of local infrastructure development.

“Massive plundering took place in the name of repairs,” a local man alleged, claiming that various groups embezzled significant sums allocated for the project.

Costly Repair Delivered Little

According to RHD sources, the repair initiative officially began on 17 February 2022 with the stated aim of improving transport and ensuring smooth traffic flow along this vital regional link.

Contractor Zaherul Ltd was assigned the work, though locals allege that the project was effectively carried out by the former Chuadanga District Jubo League.

The repairs were formally completed in November 2022. But a visit to the site paints a starkly different picture from the project documents.

Almost the entire stretch remains damaged, with treacherous potholes and broken surfaces that have rendered the road largely unusable.

Sections of the highway have visibly sunk, while other parts have risen unevenly. In some areas, the pavement has simply disintegrated into gravel and dust.

The road serves not only Chuadanga and Darshana but also acts as an essential connection to Mujibnagar, Jibannagar, Kotchandpur and Kaliganj, adding to the frustration of thousands who rely on it every day.

Commuters Versions

For regular users, the road has become a source of both inconvenience and fear.

Awal Hasan of Darshana said he travels on the route almost every day. “The road was good for about 15 days after the new repairs. After that, potholes and cracks began appearing everywhere. Despite at least ten attempts at patchwork by RHD, nothing has improved,” he said.

Another commuter, Rajibul Hasan of Uzirpur, echoed widespread concerns about corruption. “Massive corruption took place in the name of development. Most of the project funds were pocketed by the contractor and officials,” he alleged.

Kamal Uddin from Fakirpara said the deteriorated road has caused frequent accidents, some of which have claimed lives. “People are dying because of cracks and potholes,” he said.

Authorities’ Commitments  

RHD officials now acknowledge that the project failed due to the wrong approach from the beginning.

Mohammad Sujat Kazi, Sub-Divisional Engineer of Chuadanga RHD, said the road should have been reconstructed instead of merely resurfaced. “Only carpeting was done, which is why the road is in dilapidated condition,” he said.

Sujat Kazi said they are currently trying to level the worst parts and repair potholes to keep traffic moving but conceded that only a major reconstruction project can restore the road properly.

Higher authorities have already been informed, he said, urging immediate steps to prevent further deterioration.

For now, however, commuters remain trapped in a cycle of recurring repairs, wasted public money and growing frustration — all centred on a road that appears doomed to crumble again and again.