Rupganj Correspondent: Despite being one of Narayanganj’s largest infrastructure projects, the Bhulta Flyover has become a source of fear and frustration for local residents and commuters due to its poor lighting and lack of night-time security.
Built at a cost of Tk 353.36 crore and opened to the public in March 2017, the 1.5-kilometre-long flyover was designed to ease traffic congestion at the junction of the Dhaka-Sylhet Highway and the Asian Highway (Dhaka Bypass). While it has successfully reduced traffic and travel time during the day, the situation at night is starkly different.
After dusk, the flyover becomes pitch dark due to non-functional streetlights. This darkness provides a safe haven for criminals, drug users, and muggers. Many commuters have fallen victim to theft, with some losing large sums of money to armed robbers. Drivers and pedestrians alike describe the flyover as "haunted" at night, with accidents and crimes becoming increasingly common.
Truck driver Samar, who frequently uses the flyover, said, “At night, people gather on motorbikes and openly use drugs. It feels dangerous. If the lights worked, it wouldn’t be this scary.”
CNG driver Faruk shared, “By 11 PM, most vehicles avoid the flyover. Muggers wait in the dark. We try not to cross it after that time.”
Businessman Masud, who was robbed of Tk 1 lakh, commented, “This flyover is completely unsafe at night. I’ve never seen a flyover so dark anywhere else in the world.”
Upon inspection at 10 PM, the entire stretch of the flyover was found in complete darkness. Vehicles could only navigate using their headlights. Empty drug bottles were also spotted along the roadside.
Although the electric meter beside the nearby Bhulta Gausia Bazar is active, streetlights remain off. When questioned, Bhulta Flyover engineer Akram stated that their department maintained the lights for one year after opening, but no longer holds responsibility.
Md. Rafiqul Islam, Senior General Manager of Narayanganj-2 Palli Bidyut Samiti, confirmed the electricity supply is still active but could not explain why the lights do not work.
Ahsanullah Mojumder, the newly joined Roads and Highways engineer, acknowledged the issue and promised swift action. Assistant Superintendent of Police Mehedi Islam said that special police patrols have been increased in the area due to the darkness, but admitted that lack of lighting could still lead to accidents.
Rupganj Upazila Nirbahi Officer Saiful Islam Joy expressed concern, saying he was unaware of the issue but would consult with the Roads and Highways Department. If necessary, the upazila administration would take steps to restore lighting.
