GOLAM MOSTAFA JIBON

The construction work of 190km Elenga-Hatikumrul-Rangpur four-lane project has finally regained momentum after formation of the new government under the leadership of Tareq Rahman alias Tareq Zia.

It is reported that, Sheikh Rabiul Alam Rabi, Minister for Road Transport and Bridges, Railways, and Shipping Ministry is personally monitoring the work around the clock.

Earlier, especially during the Awami League regime, there were huge allegations of delay progress around the project. But now, about 90 percent of the project work has been completed, while remaining is expected to be completed by the deadline (next December), said Dr. Md. Waliur Rahman, PD of SASEC-II project.

Dr. Md. Waliur Rahman, PD of SASEC-II project

Dr. Rahman said, “We have been faced various challenges step by step to implement the project cent percent successfully. Corona pandemic was one of the main obstructions. It causes delay. Besides, land acquisition process had forced delay starting of works at places. However, we have managed to overcome the situation and the construction work of the project has got more speed compared to the previous period due to close monitoring of the concerned minister Sheikh Rabiul Alam Rabi and Roads and Highways Department’s Chief Engineer Syed Moinul Hassan.”

He further said, “Now, we including the construction firms are working hard to complete the work in stipulated time. We are supervising all works to tackle any kind of hardship. Hope, we will be able to see a new horizon on the country’s northern highway by implementing the largest project.”

Not only that, the proportion of road accidents will come to reduce after completion of the total works that basically turning the highway into a-six-lane. Besides, country is going to get a largest interchange being built on the highway at Hatikumrul in Sirajganj district. Both the development works will save time and money of the commuters as well as ensure road safety. Meanwhile, people of few districts in the northern region have started to get benefits from the project, the officer added.

The Elenga-Hatikumrul-Rangpur 4-lane project including Hatikumrul Interchange is also part of the SASEC-II (South Asia Subregional Economic Cooperation) and going on under supervision of Roads and Highways Department (RHD). One of the projects will also help to widen two-lane highway from Elenga to Rangpur via Hatikumrul into four lanes as a part of developing the regional corridor under Asian Highway, SASEC corridor and SAARC corridor. The construction of four-lane under supervision of SASEC Road Link Project-II was started in September 2016. The cost and completion deadline of the projects have already been increased by several times in the last 10 years since the beginning. The deadline has finally extended to December 2026.

Lastly, some additional works like construction of flyovers, bridges, underpasses, service lanes, interchange (Hatikumrul interchange), passenger shelters, tree plantation and lighting were also added with the main project.

Now the Elenga-Hatikumrul-Rangpur four-lane project along with two more slow moving vehicle transport (SMVT) lanes is being implemented at a cost of Tk 19053 crore.

On the other hand, the construction cost of the Hatikumrul Interchange being built at Hatikumrul area locally known as Sirajganj Road in the district by the China Railway Construction Bridge Engineering Company (CRCBEC), has approximately fixed at Tk 738 crore with the completion deadline by March 2026.

Abdul Monem Limited, Monico Limited, Concord Pragati Consortium Limited and China Railway Construction Bridge Engineering Limited have also been involved with several phases of the projects.

It is believed that, Elenga-Hatikumrul-Rangpur 4-lane and Hatikumrul Interchange will play vital role in the field of trade and communication of the South Asia in future.

During a spot visit, this journalist found that, the work of side lanes for light vehicles was going on in full swing at some places including from Hatikumrul to Chandaikona.

Commuters and transport workers said, “If the work is completed before Eid-ul-Fitr, commuters will feel a comfort and safe journey during the Eid festival.”

Ismail Hossain, Officer in Charge of Hatikumrul Highway Thana said, “The construction of 4-lane and Hatikumrul Interchange projects has brought a greater change on the highway of northern region. We are also providing necessary supports to them involved in the project with the aim to complete the work in schedule time to ensure smooth journey of the travelers.”

Replying to a query, he also said, “We have chalked out some work-plans centering the upcoming Eid-ul-Fitr. Meanwhile, I have written to high-ups seeking additional forces to tackle the situation during the Eid holidays. Meanwhile the appeal has been approved.”