Khulna City Bypass dilapidated in only two-and-half-year

Within barely two and a half years of its opening, the Khulna City Bypass has become unfit for use "due to substandard construction".

The situation worsened due to extra pressure of traffic on Gollamari Bridge, part of the bypass, and heavy rainfall corroding it severely.

However, an initiative has been taken to repair the 2.5km road which was constructed in 2013 at a cost of Tk 20.5 crore by Khulna Development Authority, said sources at KDA.

The sources also said after the completion of the construction work of the city bypass, they had issued letter to two organistions for the handover process.

Although the authorities of Khulna City Corporation (KCC) took the road portion from Sonadanga Model Police Station to the Mayur River under its jurisdiction, the other portion from the Mayur River to Zero Point has yet to come to the responsibility of the Local Government Engineering Department (LGED).

That is why, the second portion of the road still remains under the responsibility of KDA.

Quazi Saberul Alam, superintendent engineer of KDA and project director of the road, said following a board decision, the KDA authorities handed over the first part of the road to the KCC on December 8, 2015 while the second part still remain under the KDA's authority as the LGED has not accepted it yet.

However, a decision has been taken to repair the road and the work will begin before the rainy season, he hoped.

The KDA sources said on September 7, 2011, the authorities floated a tender for the construction work of the city bypass and contractor firm Dienko Limited got the work order.

The construction work was completed on June 30, 2013.

The road has become unfit for use due to its construction with substandard materials and lack of maintenance, alleged locals.

Cracks have developed in several parts of the road. Besides, the trees planted beside the road for beautification have turned pale for dust.

Asked about the dilapidated condition of the road so early, the KDA sources said during the construction work of Gallamari Bridge, heavily-loaded vehicles from Bhomra land port, Satkhira, Koyra, Paikgachha, Dumuria, Mongla, Bagerhat, Dakope, Batiaghata plied over it, causing such a condition.