The construction of the regional 59-kilometre four-lane road stretch from Cumilla Paduar Bazar to Begumganj of Noakhali is going on at a snail’s pace, causing suffering for commuters.
Roads and Highways Department of Cumilla has been supervising the construction of the 45km stretch of the road.
The construction work of the road started in September, 2018 at a cost of Tk 17 million.
Dr Mohammad Ahad Ullah, executive engineer of Cumilla Roads and Highways Department, said the four-lane road was supposed to be completed by 2020.
Construction of the road was supposed to be completed within 2020, but it appears that the deadline will be missed, said an official of the department seeking anonymity.
"It will take a year beyond the deadline to complete,” he said without elaborating further.
Expressing disappointment over the slow pace of work, locals alleged that the dusty under-construction road has been causing immense sufferings for the last two years.
Commuters said the construction of the 17-kilometer road from Lalmai to Laksam is yet to start.
About 90 percent of the road is in a deplorable condition now in the absence of proper repair and maintenance for a long while. It is causing untold sufferings to the people of the locality.
Passengers and drivers say they travel on the road every day amid the risk of accident.
Locals Kaosar, Miazi and Rina expressed their concern over the dilapidated road, saying that the commuters, especially students, are suffering the most while using the route to reach their various destinations.
They also fear that the road could lead to a major accident and lives may even be lost.
Besides, a long tailback is a common scenario on the road due to the potholes, said the sufferers.
Transport Workers' Union Secretary Kazi Motaher said the drivers face trouble in plying vehicles on such a bad road.
"The vehicles break down from time to time on this stretch of road, which makes it hard on passengers. We want the road repaired as soon as possible, " he also said.
"We cannot earn enough as we cannot drive vehicles properly. We become exhausted from a one-way trip on the road. And for this, we are now in great trouble, " he added.
The commuters and drivers are now counting the days to see an end to their troubles and make a hassle-free journey on this road.
Cumilla Motor Association President Ahmed Khondoker said , " We hope the authorities will take prompt steps to complete the construction of the four-lane."