Tanore, Aug 14 (V7N) - The 20-kilometer Tanore-Baya road in Rajshahi’s Tanore upazila has fallen into a severe state of disrepair, turning daily travel into a hazardous ordeal for thousands of commuters. Deep potholes, broken brick surfaces, and eroded sections of the road now pose significant risks to both passengers and vehicles, with accidents becoming an almost daily occurrence.
 
This road, the only direct route from Tanore to Rajshahi city, is a lifeline for local residents and transporters. With alternative routes like the Tanore-Kashimbazar-Mohonpur road being too narrow for trucks and buses, all major traffic is forced onto the crumbling Tanore-Baya stretch—often at the cost of public safety.
 
During a visit to the area, multiple danger zones were observed. From Kaliganj Bazar to Deotola intersection, large sections of the road are submerged or cracked. Key danger spots include the approach to Chaki Ghat Bridge in Chanduria, the front of the Nice Garden area in Hardoh Beel, and both the east and west sides of Bagdhani and Baya intersections. In many areas, worn-out carpeting has peeled away, and the road has caved in to form deep holes. The ongoing monsoon has only worsened the situation by flooding the road and creating slippery, muddy patches.
 
Local resident Sajjad Ali explained that the Roads and Highways Department has attempted to patch up the worst sections by dumping bricks and sand, but these makeshift repairs are quickly washed away by rain. He added that the broken bricks often shatter under vehicle pressure, sending sharp fragments flying dangerously in all directions. These fragments pose a serious threat to motorcycles and smaller vehicles.
 
Adding to the misery is the heavy movement of overloaded 10-wheeler drum trucks. These vehicles are being used to carry sand and filling material to several under-construction cold storage facilities in the region. Locals believe these trucks are one of the primary contributors to the road’s rapid deterioration.
 
In addition to the road’s poor condition, two old bridges—at Bagdhani and Duyari intersections—are currently in a vulnerable state. Although new bridges have been constructed adjacent to the old ones, they remain unused due to unfinished approach roads. As a result, vehicles continue to risk crossing the aging, damaged bridges, which now also show signs of structural decay.
 
The current condition of the road has severely impacted emergency access, transport of agricultural goods, and day-to-day travel for residents. Many local commuters, transport workers, and farmers have urged the authorities to take immediate action before further tragedy strikes.
 
When contacted, the Tanore Upazila Engineer confirmed the issue and said, "We are taking steps to repair the sections of the road where potholes and damages have occurred. Maintenance work is being prioritized."
 
Despite these assurances, residents remain concerned that without long-term, sustainable roadwork, the Tanore-Baya road will continue to endanger lives and hinder livelihoods.
 
END/MRA/SMA/