Tangail 12 Jan (V7N) – The long-awaited project to upgrade a 13.5-kilometer stretch of the Jamuna Bridge-Dhaka Highway from Elenga in Tangail to the Jamuna Bridge roundabout is moving at a sluggish pace, drawing criticism for delays and alleged negligence by the contractor, Abdul Monem Limited. Despite the pressing need to expand this vital route to four lanes, crucial components like the flyover, two underpasses, and service lanes remain incomplete.
Since the inauguration of the Jamuna Bridge on June 23, 1998, the highway has served as a critical link connecting 23 northern and southern districts. With 18,000 to 20,000 vehicles using the bridge daily—and significantly more during holidays like Eid—the government prioritized expanding the highway to ease traffic congestion.
Although the four-lane expansion between Mirzapur and Elenga was completed, the segment from Elenga to the Jamuna Bridge remains unfinished. The project, initiated under the SASEC Road Connectivity Project (Package-5) Phase-2, was awarded to Abdul Monem Limited at a cost of Tk 601 crore. The plan includes constructing a flyover, 8 bridges, 10 culverts, two underpasses, and a service lane.
Locals report that only about 2 kilometers near the bridge and Elenga have been completed, leaving 11.5 kilometers unfinished. This has caused severe traffic jams, especially during Eid, forcing the administration to redirect vehicles through the Bhuiyanpur Link Road.
Residents near the highway, including Shafiqul Islam, Mamun, and Nurul Haque, voiced frustration over the contractor's slow pace. They demand that the project be completed before the upcoming Ramadan to prevent further suffering. Concerns have also been raised over the low-quality red sand used in construction, which resembles hilly red soil. Locals fear this could compromise the durability of the highway.
Md. Rabiul Awal, Project Manager for Abdul Monem Limited, defended the work, claiming 65% of the project is complete and denying negligence. He assured that all materials, including sand, undergo proper testing in their laboratory.
However, Pulak Das, consultant engineer at the Bangladesh Bridge Authority (BASEC), confirmed that sand from Dhlatengar near Bridge No. 5 was suspended after local objections. The sand is now undergoing lab tests to ensure it meets the required standards.
Many, like Sharif from Dhlatengor, believe that if a foreign contractor had been involved, the work would have been completed on time with better quality. Locals are demanding stricter supervision to accelerate progress and ensure quality construction.
Ahsanul Kabir Pavel, Executive Engineer at the Jamuna Bridge Site Office, acknowledged the slow progress but affirmed that BASEC is closely monitoring the project. He also vouched for Abdul Monem Limited's reputation but emphasized the need for faster completion.As commuters continue to suffer due to delayed construction, locals and stakeholders are urging authorities to expedite the project and ensure the use of quality materials. Timely completion before Ramadan is now a pressing demand to alleviate the ongoing hardship.
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