Comilla's main entry roads turn into hazard zones, causing daily misery

Saiful Islam Sumon, Comilla: The two main entry roads to Comilla city have turned into symbols of public suffering, with thousands of commuters facing daily hardship and an increasing risk of accidents due to their severely damaged condition.The Tomchom Bridge–Kotbari road and the Dharmapur–Jagurjhuli road, both of which connect Comilla city with the Dhaka–Chattogram Highway, have deteriorated significantly after years without proper maintenance. Large potholes, broken pavement and uneven surfaces now make travel slow, uncomfortable and dangerous.A recent visit to the areas revealed that almost the entire stretch from Rammala to Kotbari Bishwaroad on the Tomchom Bridge–Kotbari road is in poor condition. The worst-affected sections are located in Gobindapur, Daulatpur, Didar Market and Dhanpur, where numerous deep potholes have developed.The situation is equally alarming on the Dharmapur–Jagurjhuli road, particularly in the Satora area, where large craters have made vehicle movement hazardous.During the monsoon, the problem becomes even more serious as rainwater fills the potholes, making it difficult for drivers to judge their depth. As a result, vehicles frequently lose balance, increasing the likelihood of road accidents.Auto-rickshaw driver Mehedi Hasan said he has to use the road every day and often risks collisions while trying to avoid potholes."To avoid the damaged portions, we are sometimes forced to move into the opposite lane, creating the danger of head-on crashes. The poor road condition is also causing frequent damage to our vehicles," he said.Truck driver Md. Sohel Mia echoed the concern, saying heavy vehicles face enormous difficulty, particularly during rainfall."When it rains, it becomes impossible to distinguish between the road and the potholes. If the road is not repaired soon, a major accident could happen at any time," he warned.Passenger Hosain Chowdhury said commuting has become increasingly exhausting."Even short journeys now take much longer than before. The constant jolts are especially painful for children and elderly passengers," he said.Another commuter, Rabiul Hasan, described travelling on the roads as a daily source of anxiety."It has become frightening to use these roads. Almost every day we hear about accidents somewhere along these routes," he added.Responding to the situation, Khondaker Golam Mostafa, Executive Engineer of the Roads and Highways Department (RHD) in Comilla, said funds have already been allocated for the repair of the Tomchom Bridge–Kotbari road."We will begin repair work as soon as the intensity of rainfall decreases," he said.He added that the damaged sections of the Dharmapur–Jagurjhuli road have also been identified."Necessary repairs will begin as soon as funding is allocated," the RHD official said. For now, however, thousands of residents, transport workers and travellers continue to endure daily inconvenience and safety risks while waiting for long-promised repairs to two of Comilla's busiest gateways.