Neglect and jurisdictional disputes leave major Chittagong artery in ruin
Photo Collected
Drivers and commuters navigating the Oxygen-Kuyaish road in Chittagong are facing hazardous conditions as the decade-old thoroughfare continues to deteriorate, leaving motorists stranded in water-filled potholes. The five-kilometer stretch, which serves as a vital artery for thousands of residents and travelers, has become a site of daily struggle where submerged craters frequently disable vehicles and endanger commuters.
Constructed by the Chittagong Development Authority (CDA) at a cost of approximately 45 million taka, the road was opened to the public in January 2016 following a two-year construction project. Despite its strategic importance connecting the city to Hathazari, Raujan, and Kaptai, the road has not undergone significant upgrades or routine maintenance since its inauguration.
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The neglect stems from a protracted administrative standoff between the CDA and the Chittagong City Corporation (CCC). While the CDA has attempted to hand over jurisdiction of the road, the CCC has repeatedly refused, citing the road’s dilapidated state. City officials maintain that they cannot accept responsibility for the infrastructure until it is fully renovated, noting that the cost to repair the current damage would be nearly equivalent to building a new road.
In recent years, the area surrounding the road has undergone rapid urbanization, featuring a private hospital, over ten educational institutions, and numerous residential and commercial developments. Despite this increased traffic, the road remains riddled with potholes and stripped asphalt, with critical sections at Boksunagar, Wazeddia intersection, and the entrance to the Ananya residential area suffering from chronic flooding.
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Local residents and transport workers report that the situation becomes critical during rainfall, which masks the depth of the craters. Motorcyclists frequently lose balance, while three-wheeler drivers face recurring engine failures and mechanical damage. For students and office workers, the daily commute has become a source of anxiety, with many forced to seek longer, alternative routes to avoid the risk of being stranded.
A joint committee formed to resolve the impasse submitted recommendations in January, suggesting that the CDA either restore the road to a functional state before handover or provide the necessary funds for the CCC to undertake a full reconstruction. Addressing the concerns, CDA Chairman Belayet Hossain stated that maintenance efforts have been hampered by persistent rainfall. He emphasized that the primary focus remains on completing the repairs so that the road can be formally transferred and maintained, acknowledging the urgent need to rectify the infrastructure to support the growing population.
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