Rangpur Correspondent:

One of Rangpur city’s busiest roads, the 3.8-kilometre stretch from Satmatha to Jahaj Company Mor, has become a stark symbol of urban neglect, with residents now resorting to hanging red flags to warn of deadly potholes.

For more than two years, the road’s severely deteriorated condition has triggered near-daily minor and major accidents. Craters dot almost the entire stretch, posing constant danger to pedestrians, drivers and passengers. With no visible safety measures in place, residents—left with little choice—have taken matters into their own hands, planting red flags at the most dangerous spots in a desperate bid to save lives and warn unsuspecting road users.

The route serves as a critical corridor for thousands of commuters travelling daily from Lalmonirhat, Kurigram and Gaibandha districts into Rangpur city. Traffic flows round the clock, yet the road’s condition has made even routine journeys hazardous.

Commuters say that while alternative routes do exist, they are considerably longer—leaving them with little option but to brave the battered road despite the risks.Nabiar Rahman, a resident of the Kamal Kachna area, said many outsiders fail to anticipate the danger.

“People coming from far away cannot understand the

situation. Many fall into potholes and get injured. We were compelled to hang red flags ourselves. At least now people slow down and some accidents are being avoided,” he said.

College teacher Abu Hasnat, who travels regularly from Lalmonirhat, said, “This road has been in a poor state for a long time, yet there have been no effective measures. We rely on this road to reach different parts of the city, but every journey is exhausting and unsafe,” he said.

For emergency services, the situation is even more alarming.

Sirajul Islam, an ambulance driver from Kurigram, said the road is the shortest route to Rangpur Medical College Hospital, leaving drivers with no alternative.

“Even at slow speeds, the jolts are severe and patients suffer badly. Without the red flags, the risk of serious accidents would be much higher,” he said.

Battery-powered easybike drivers also face regular danger. Sujan Chandra Roy, who operates near Jahaj Company Mor, said passenger injuries and vehicle damage have become routine.

“People fall from easybikes, and parts break frequently. But this is our livelihood, so we are forced to take the risk every day,” he said.

Responding to the concerns, Rangpur City Corporation Superintendent Engineer Azam Ali said the long-delayed project is moving forward. He said tenders have been invited to modernise the Satmatha–Jahaj Company Mor road and are currently under evaluation.

“We aim to start work by the end of January. Around Tk 24.60 crore has been allocated for repairs and strengthening, along with dividers, drains, streetlights, footpaths and beautification,” he said.

City corporation Administrator Ashraful Islam acknowledged the wider crisis, saying most roads in Rangpur are in poor condition. He said five development projects have received government approval and funding will be allocated soon.

“We expect to begin all development work within the current fiscal year,” he said.

Residents, however, remain cautious, hoping the promised interventions translate into swift action rather than remaining confined to official assurances.