A four-kilometre stretch of the Rangpur-Dhaka Highway, passing through the Mithapukur upazila, has turned into a deadly zone, claiming at least seven lives in the past month alone.
This crucial portion of the highway, featuring three major intersections, has long lacked basic traffic signals or safe pedestrian crossings, resulting in frequent accidents and casualties.
Despite being developed under the South Asian Subregional Economic Cooperation (SASEC) project, this segment of the highway suffers from poor planning and oversight, officials concerned said, wishing anonymity.
The absence of proper infrastructure and road safety measures has led to a sharp rise in accidents.
The most hazardous points along the stretch are the Gorer Matha intersection, Bairati Road junction near the local fire service station and the bustling marketplace at Shathibari, one of the largest haats in the northern region.
Located just one kilometre from the Mithapukur Upazila Parishad and police station, Gorer Matha has emerged as a perilous four-way intersection.
Roads from Dinajpur-Phulbari's coal mine area and the Balarhat region converge here with the main Rangpur-Dhaka highway.
Despite the high volume of traffic and strategic importance, no flyover or underpass has been constructed. The lack of traffic signals further aggravates the danger.
Long-haul drivers have no indication that they are approaching a major intersection, leading to regular accidents -- some fatal.
A regional road connecting Imadpur and Milonpur unions was linked to the Rangpur-Dhaka highway about two years ago near the Shathibari fire service station.
A site inspection revealed the absence of any overpass. As a result, vehicles are forced to divert approximately 1.5 kilometres to access Milonpur Road.
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Besides, a concrete wall in the middle of the highway divides the lanes, yet many drivers flout traffic rules and attempt risky crossings. This has led to multiple accidents, some of which have left victims severely injured or even dead.
The traditional Shathibari haat, a major commercial hub in Mithapukur, has been bisected by the newly built highway. The concrete wall dividing the market not only hampers local businesses but also diminishes the aesthetic appeal of the area.
Despite the area's significance—housing banks, insurance offices, government buildings, shops and markets—no pedestrian bridge or underpass exists.
Hundreds of people cross the highway every day at this point, taking serious risks.
Locals said at least seven pedestrians have died in the past month alone due to accidents in this area.
Shathibari traders Sheikh Sadi, Lalon and Raihan Pradhan have all expressed frustration.
"Millions have been spent on road construction, yet there is no safe crossing. People are forced to climb over the concrete dividers to get across," said Sheikh Sadi.
An underpass was built in front of Shathibari School, but locals say it is largely ineffective due to its inconvenient location. Nobody uses it and it is practically abandoned, they added.
Residents are demanding immediate construction of either pedestrian overpasses or properly placed underpasses to ensure safety and safeguard livelihoods.
Similar concerns have been echoed by people in Gorer Matha and Bairati Road areas, all stressing the need for a more thoughtful and safe transportation plan.
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