The Feni-Noakhali four-lane highway project remains significantly delayed, with land acquisition still incomplete in many areas. Photo: Messenger
Despite several budget increases, the Feni-Noakhali four-lane project remains significantly delayed, with land acquisition still incomplete in many areas. Sources reveal that progress on the 30-kilometer stretch from Chaumuhani to Sebarhat is sluggish, with contractors unable to commence work in several sections.
Critical infrastructure elements, such as electricity poles, have yet to be relocated. Notably, no work has been carried out on the 100 to 150 feet stretch in the Feni area, particularly in Paithgachia.
Sources also indicate that the administration has not yet finalized the land acquisition price list for the Jamidarhat market. Traders in the market assert that they have not been compensated, preventing them from relocating their businesses. Although the government has promised triple compensation, traders argue that the Mouza rates are set too low.
According to a market committee source, while the four-lane project is aimed at public welfare, no discussions have been held with them regarding the dimensions of footpaths, guardrails, or the amount of land required from the market area. This has left traders and landowners questioning who will bear the cost of land required for footpath construction.
In the Sebarhat area, the use of substandard crushed bricks and insufficient bitumen has resulted in deteriorating road conditions, making transportation difficult. Additionally, shops have sprung up along the Jamidarhat highway, obstructing the four-lane work. The Roads and Highways Department claims to have issued notices for the removal of these structures.
Sourav Talukder, the Chief Engineer of the Noakhali Roads and Highways Department, recently assumed his position and stated that cost increases have been applied after Sebarhat, including the Dagonbhuiya and Feni parts. He claims that 60% of the 30-kilometer project has been completed, with significant progress in the Setubhanga market area, but work has yet to begin in the Jamidarhat area. Talukder also mentioned that many landowners lack proper documentation and are making various excuses.
Meanwhile, traders in Dagonbhuiya have complained about substandard work on land acquisition, embankment reinforcement, footpath strengthening and surfacing, and the construction of an overbridge, protective work, drainage structures, road markings, and PC girders. However, the contractor company has denied these allegations.
The Feni-Noakhali National Highway from Mohipal to Sebarhat includes a comprehensive upgrade to four lanes, widening and elevating embankments, footpath widening and strengthening, mid-road RCC box culvert construction, PC girder bridge construction, intersection bus bay construction, overbridge construction, protective work, drainage structure, road marking paint, traffic signs, signposts, kilometer posts, concrete guide posts, direction signs, CCTV installation, and tree planting under the Road Division in 2019-2020.
The original contract value was Tk 308 crore. Due to various adjustments, the cost increased by approximately Tk 36 crore 50 lakh, bringing the revised contract value to about 344 crore 50 Lakh, an 11.86% increase over the original contract. The recommended contractors are National Development Engineers Limited and Shamim Enterprise Private Limited.
Despite the outlined budget increases and assurances from the administration, the project's delays and quality concerns highlight significant challenges. Effective coordination, transparent communication with stakeholders, and rigorous quality control measures are crucial to advancing the Feni-Noakhali four-lane project and ensuring it meets its intended public welfare goals.
Messenger/Disha
