Rehennuma Tarannum Rifat:

A road that was highly neglected for long has changed the fate, economic status and living standard for thousands of people of over 50 villages in Ullapara and Shahzadpur upazila of Sirajganj district as well as Bhangura and Faridpur upazila of Pabna district after completion of its widening and strengthening project.

The road from Mohonpur GC (Growth Centre) in Ullapara upazila to Talgachhi GC in Shahzadpur upazila has set up a good communication system between regional road and national highway of the Roads and Highways Department (RHD) and two upazilas-Bhangura and Faridpur in Pabna district.

Relevant sources said, before implementation of the project, the road was highly neglected and people of the neighboring areas faced manifold problems in context of communication. It was very difficult to transport agro-products to different destinations including towns or hat-bazar from remote villages. As a result, farmers of the region had been deprived of fair prices of their goods. Besides, students and patients especially elderly men, women and even pregnant women were worst sufferers. Many patients had died before reaching to the hospitals. But now, the sufferings have reduced significantly and new door of possibility has opened after completion of the project work.

The photo was taken few days ago, while the construction was underway. Photo: TDS

The photo taken few days ago shows the view of construction work. Photo: TDS

It is worth noting that, the government started the work of widening and strengthening of Mohanpur-Talgachhi GC road in the fiscal year 2024-25 under the project titled “Widening and strengthening of important upazila and union roads of Rajshahi division” at a cost of around Tk 13:86 crore. The work order was given to the construction firm-Yunus & Brothers under the supervision of Local Government Engineering Department (LGED) in Sirajganj. It was scheduled to widen the 8.22 km long road to 18 feet from 12 feet.

Being started on November 26, 2024, the work was completed by December 31, 2025. Meanwhile, the road has been opened for public and vehicular movements.

Azibor Rahman, a resident of Mohonpur village said, “The road is now playing a vital role in context of growing economy and improving the living standard of local residents. As the road gets started from Mohonpur Railway Station, it has eased transportation of milk to Milk Vita Company at Baghabari in Shahzadpur. This is why, dairy farm owners are now enjoying more economic benefits.”

Abul Hossain, a resident of Talgachhi said, “This road has approached with Faridpur and Bhangura upazila in Pabna district. Consequently, now we can supply our products especially agricultural goods to Pabna district in a short time and less cost.”

Md. Rezaur Rohman, Executive Engineer of LGED in Sirajganj said, “As the road was constructed connecting two growth centres, it has opened the door of new horizon for the local residents and commuters. It has brought a greater change in the local trade and commerce. People will be more benefited if the government takes initiatives to improve such roads, bridges and culverts in future for the development of rural economy.”