Dhaka-Khulna highway has become dangerous due to vehicle overtaking and lack of the road of pedestrian crossing. Accidents and fatalities are constantly increasing on this busy road. This dangerous part of the road falls between Gopalganj Sadar, Kashiani, and Muksudpur upazilas.
At least 3000 vehicles pass through this road every day after the Padma Bridge was opened. The 500-meter section of the highway in the Ghonapara-Pathalia section of Gobra Union of Gopalganj Sadar Upazila is more vulnerable. There are three educational institutions in this part. Every day teachers and students have to travel through this dangerous road. Moreover, as there are no road lights, that part of the road becomes completely dark at night. Then the risk of accidents increases.
Shariful Islam, OC of Bhatiapara Highway Police Station of Kashiani Upazila of Gopalganj said that 13 people died in 10 road accidents in the 500 meter section of Ghonapara-Pathalia section in nine months from January to September this year.
He also said that besides the loss of life, hundreds of people were injured there. Overtaking, vehicle-to-vehicle competition, and reckless speed are responsible for these accidents. We are often fined by setting up checkposts to control the speed of vehicles on highways to prevent accidents. Pedestrians are warned to cross the road at the zebra crossing and to slow down at the signal. We are also running an awareness campaign.
Gobra UP Chairman Shafiqur Rahman Chowdhury Tutul said Sheikh Rehana Textile Engineering College, Primary School Teacher Training Institute (PTI), and Technical Training Institute (TTC) are located within 500 meters of the Ghonapara-Pathalia section of Dhaka-Khulna highway. But there is no footpath in that part. As a result, thousands of teachers and students of those three institutions have to travel with extreme risk. And road accidents are happening more in that part. Besides the loss of life, many people are also crippled.
Gopalganj Road Department Executive Engineer Azharul Islam said we have made zebra crossing and sign signals to reduce the speed of vehicles in front of the institutions. Besides, I have informed the matter to the road safety unit of the road department. According to their decision, the road will be made safe.
ARS
