BARISHAL, May 23: Ongoing construction on around 13 kilometres of the Barishal-Dhaka highway has raised concern among commuters and transport operators ahead of Eid-ul-Azha, as thousands prepare for homebound journeys.
The affected stretch is part of a 35-kilometre section of the highway where widening and improvement work is still incomplete. Dust, excavated soil, piles of sand and stones, and ongoing road cutting have narrowed the roadway at several points, slowing down traffic movement.
The unfinished portions include around 4.5 kilometres from Gariarpur to Rahmatpur in Barishal and about 8 kilometres from Joyshree in Uzirpur to Kasemabad in Gournadi. Both sides of the road are being expanded by six feet under the ongoing development project.
Field visits show that in many areas, construction work is still in progress on both sides of the highway. Excavated trenches, brick chips, and sand piles are occupying portions of the road, forcing vehicles to move slowly through narrow passages.
The work on the Gariarpur-Rahmatpur section began in February this year and is expected to be completed by June. The Joyshree-Kasemabad section is scheduled for completion by August, while the overall project deadline extends to December.
Transport workers say the incomplete condition of the road is already affecting travel. Bus driver Arifur Rahman said congestion increases even under normal conditions due to the ongoing work. "Both sides are under construction, and the road has become narrower. It will be worse during Eid rush," he said.
Passengers also expressed frustration over the slow progress. Sanowar, a Dhaka-bound traveller, said the situation has remained unchanged for years. Another passenger, Hafizur Rahman, said frequent delays in completion have worsened travel hardship.
Contractors involved in the project said the work involves technical procedures such as soil cutting, filling, and compaction before final carpeting. Engineers said these steps are necessary to ensure long-term durability of the road.
According to M Khan Group, the implementing contractor, work is progressing and efforts are underway to complete major portions before the rainy season.
The Roads and Highways Department said the project is being implemented by M Khan Group Limited, with about 50 per cent of the work completed so far.
Highway police OC, Shamim Sheikh said that they have identified several accident-prone areas along the route, including Gournadi bus stand, Illa, Kotkasta, Sonar Bangla, and Ramgati. Authorities said these sections require extra caution due to road conditions and traffic pressure.
Officials said the highway has been divided into five sectors for Eid travel management, with 24-hour patrols and mobile teams deployed to ensure safety and traffic control during the holiday period.
Despite these measures, commuters fear that ongoing construction work combined with increased holiday traffic could lead to severe congestion and delays on one of the region's busiest highways.
