The World Bank-funded Dhaka Urban Transport Project (DUTP) that is implementing the project has allocated Tk 4.50 crore for any repair, carpeting and levelling to keep the road and its pavement smooth and operative irrespective of weather conditions. But the project director has not taken steps to that end, sources alleged.

The surface of the road is badly damaged at many points, including at the level crossing and cause a nagging traffic congestion most of the time.

"We cannot control traffic here as hundreds of vehicles pour in from three sides and get stuck up because of poor shape of the road," said a traffic sergeant at the site.

The contract for the project provides that the contractor is to maintain pavements on both sides of road and keep the road surface clean and free from any debris and obstruction.

The contractor is also to take adequate safety measures to reduce accidents, install traffic signboards and ensure operation of the road with minimum obstruction.

Dhaka Transport Coordination Board (DTCB), which is supervising implementation of the flyover project, on July 20 issued a letter to DUTP Project Director (PD) Shahabuddin bringing to his notice 'very bad shape of the road surface.' The letter said, 'The uneven road surface and the potholes are all left unattended.'

"We are indeed very concerned at the condition of the road on both sides of the flyover ... Despite several written reminders, the project officials are not complying with the contract rules," said Quamrul Islam Siddique, executive director of the DTCB.

Asked about this, the project director claimed the road was repaired on a regular basis. He however said the current floods have slowed down maintenance and repair work.

"The brick chipping plant at Amin Bazar in Gabtoli is now under floodwater and for this, our contractors cannot supply brick chips for repair work. This is the reality I am facing. But instead of realising the difficulties, DTCB officials are blaming me for violating contract rules. This is unfair," Shahabuddin said.

He has also informed the DTCB in writing the reasons for the delay in road repair, he added

The project director however could not say how much of the allocated fund (Tk 4.50 crore) he has spent so far for maintenance and repair of the road.

DCTB Additional Executive Director Md Abdul Batin said he did not receive any written information from the project director on the delay in repair of the road.

At least 10,000 vehicles, including heavy lorries, ply the road every day.