Relief for commuters as Mirpur DOHS-Uttara road fixed at last

After years of delay, the Dhaka North City Corporation has finally repaired the 1km road linking Mirpur DOHS to Uttara South Metro Station, bringing much-needed relief to residents of Mirpur and Uttara.

The road was a nightmare for commuters. Designed as a convenient shortcut under the metro rail tracks, it had deteriorated into a pothole-filled, bumpy path, causing daily frustration for thousands.

Dhaka North Administrator Mohammad Azaz said today (27 March), "After joining the city corporation, I prioritised solving problems in areas where people suffer the most in Dhaka. We are working within deadlines. There was a lot of criticism about this road, so we renovated it."

However, he warned that the current repair is only a temporary solution. "This road is on a water reservoir, so it is only temporary. We plan to build a bridge here as part of a larger project to protect the reservoir. Since the road falls under the Cantonment Board, we took their permission to build it," he added.

The road was originally built during the metro rail development project and opened to the public in 2022 after the metro rail's inauguration. Initially, it was seen as a game-changer, cutting travel time between Mirpur and Uttara in half. With heavy traffic congestion in both areas, it provided office-goers, students, and daily commuters with a much-needed alternative route.

But the excitement was short-lived. Soon after its opening, the road fell into disrepair. Poor drainage, uneven surfaces, and lack of maintenance turned it into a hazard. During monsoons, large potholes filled with water make it nearly impassable for rickshaws, cars, and motorcycles.

Frustrated commuters took to social media, filed complaints with local authorities, and reached out to the media to highlight their suffering. Many questioned why such a crucial road—serving as a key connector under the metro rail—was left neglected for so long.

Eventually, the pressure worked. Under Dhaka North's directive, the city corporation repaired the road, fixing drainage issues, resurfacing it, and ensuring proper slopes to prevent future waterlogging.

Commuters are already seeing the benefits of the repairs. Uttara resident Ziaul Haque shared his relief, saying, "For the last year, I avoided this road and took different routes to reach my office at Mirpur-10. After the repairs, it took me only 10 minutes to get there. This road makes our lives easier and saves time."

The Mirpur DOHS-Uttara South Metro link is more than just a side street—it is a vital part of Dhaka's growing traffic network. Before its construction, commuters had to take longer, more congested routes through Kazipara, Shewrapara, or Airport Road, often getting stuck in gridlocks for hours.

Now that the road is fixed, travel efficiency is expected to improve significantly. For students in Uttara's universities, professionals in Mirpur's corporate hubs, and families traveling between the two areas, this means saving time, reducing fuel costs, and experiencing less stress.