300-metre stretch of paved road collapses into river

RAJSHAHI, Jan 01: A 300-metre stretch of a metalled road from Mohanganj in Bagmara upazila of Rajshahi to Nowhata in Paba upazila has collapsed into the Baranai River in Bagmara upazila, severely disrupting communication for residents of nearly 50 surrounding villages.

According to locals, the roadway began to give way on November 30, when the riverbank on the right side suddenly caved in between chainage points 500 and 800 metres.

Since then, the damaged portion has continued to expand, forcing the authorities to suspend movement of heavy and medium vehicles. Even pedestrian movement remained halted for several hours on the day of the collapse.

A visit to the site revealed that the roadway subsistence still continues. Edges of the remaining portion of the road are continuing to break off, creating panic among residents who fear that more sections may be swallowed by the river.

Local residents say the route is one of the most important regional links, connecting Bagmara and Durgapur with Paba upazila and Rajshahi city. Ambulances, law enforcement agency vehicles, agricultural transport, and goods-laden trucks regularly use this road. Patients from Atrai in neighbouring Naogaon also relied on this route to reach Rajshahi Medical College Hospital in the shortest time. With the collapse, all such services have been severely hampered.

Students from Mohanpur, Chokhayatpur, Hayatpur, Anulia, Sukhandighi and Daokandi are among the worst-affected. Many now have to take long detours to reach schools and colleges.

Mst. Dipali, a college student from Daokandi, said it has become extremely difficult to attend classes. A journey that used to take a few minutes now takes much longer. The road must be repaired urgently.

Local trader and van driver Munna Sheikh said the collapse has also hit the weekly markets held in Mohanpur and Hasnipur on Sundays and Thursdays. With vehicles unable to use the road, both buyers and sellers are suffering losses.

Upon receiving reports of the collapse, a team from the Local Government Engineering Department (LGED), led by Upazila Engineer Munsur Rahman, visited the site. The department has since installed cautionary signboards and placed sand and other materials to allow limited, temporary movement. Plying of heavy and medium vehicles has been diverted through a nearby earthen road.

Engineer Munsur Rahman said the department took immediate measures to prevent accidents and has warned drivers to avoid the affected stretch.

Because the river runs alongside the road, no permanent repair can be undertaken without a specialised design, he added.

Engineer Munsur Rahman said, "We have already sought technical approval from the LGED head office in Rajshahi. Full-scale reconstruction will begin once the design is approved."

Residents fear that if urgent protective measures are not taken, the remaining portion of the road may also collapse, further isolating the region and worsening the economic impact on thousands of people.

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