The Roads and Highway Department (RHD) of Cumilla division hopes the construction on Dhaka-Chattogram highway will be finished before the upcoming Eid-ul-Fitr.
The Cumilla portion of the highway stretching 104-km is in a very dilapidated condition, making it almost impossible for plying vehicles. Around 35-km of the portion is marked as severely destroyed.
Mofazzal Haider,chief  engineer of Cumilla RHD, said, “A budget worth Tk57.5 million has been allocated for the reconstruction of the road and we hope it will be ready for plying vehicles by June 10.”
“The Cumilla portion of Dhaka-Chattogram highway has ditches in some areas and the passengers are suffering for this. We hope the reconstruction will be completed before the Eid. The tender has already been called, and 80 percent work order has been given already. During the Eid, the home-bound passengers would be able to travel safely and comfortably on the Cumilla portion of Dhaka-Chattogram highway,” he added.
Abdur Rahman, a school teacher from the district’s Chauddagram Upazila, said, “The Chauddagram portion of the highway has some ditches, making it very tough for vehicles to maintain balance. Road accidents are very frequent on this portion.”
Deputy Commissioner of Cumilla Mohammad Abul Fazal Mir said, “The total reconstruction process is being carried out under our supervision, and we hope to ensure a safe and comfortable journey for the home-bound passengers during the Eid.”
Planning Minister AHM Mustafa Kamal, a lawmaker from Cumilla-10 constituency, said, “Road Transport and Bridges minister and the secretary of ministry have been informed over the issues of Dhaka-Chattogram highway. The reconstruction will be completed as early as possible to reduce the sufferings of people.”