Widening and modernization work on the important 18 Mile–Betagram–Tala–Paikgachha–Koira highway is progressing rapidly in Paikgachha upazila of Khulna. While locals have welcomed the government’s development initiative, electric poles standing in the middle and along both sides of the road from Paikgachha Zero Point to the first culvert have become a major obstacle.
On-site visits found that soil filling and expansion work is continuing in several sections of the Paikgachha-Koira road near Shibbati Bridge. However, several rural electricity poles within the road expansion area have not yet been removed, forcing pedestrians, motorcyclists and drivers to travel with constant risk.
The problem is most severe at Paikgachha Zero Point, one of the busiest traffic areas in the municipality. Residents fear that if the poles are not removed before road casting work begins, the main objective of the widening project will be undermined.
Local resident Mamunur Rashid said the road expansion is a positive initiative, but keeping electric poles in the middle of the road could lead to serious accidents instead of benefiting the public.
Bus driver Babul Akhter said traffic movement around Zero Point is already difficult due to heavy congestion, and the poles have made driving even more dangerous.
Locals also said mud and waterlogging caused by the ongoing construction work are increasing public suffering, while the remaining electric poles have multiplied accident risks.
According to sources from contractor firm Mozahar Company, the work is progressing according to schedule. The Roads and Highways Department is coordinating with the Rural Electricity Authority regarding pole removal.
Rural Electricity DGM Anjan Kumar Sarkar said the pole relocation work would begin once the Roads and Highways Department provides the required funds, adding that no separate project currently exists under their authority for the work.
Upazila Executive Officer and Municipal Administrator Wasiuzzaman Chowdhury said the road widening project is highly important for the region, but public safety must also receive equal priority. He said efforts are underway to resolve the issue quickly through coordination among the relevant departments.
Residents said the 18 Mile-to-Koira road is a key transport route connecting the southwestern region with Khulna, Dhaka and other parts of the country. After years of public suffering, they now demand quality construction work, removal of infrastructure obstacles and strict monitoring to ensure a safe and durable road.
