Manikganj, Sept 16 (UNB) – Communications Minister Obaidul Quader on Sunday said road accidents on Dhaka-Aricha highway have declined following completion of improvement works on eight of the 11 risky turnings on the highway.

“Dhaka-Aricha highway is no more a death trap as accidents have declined remarkably on the highway,” he said after witnessing the repair works on the highway.

While visiting the accident-prone points on the highway on January 20 this year, the Communications Minister termed Dhaka-Aricha highway ‘a death trap’.

Obaidul Quader said the improvement works on most of the 209 risky turnings (known as accident black spots) on highways across the country have been completed. “Works to fix all the turnings will be completed by April next year.”

He said they would now turn their attention to easing traffic congestion from repairing highways.

Earlier, Obaidul Quader approved plying of vehicles on the highway carrying maximum 20 tonnes instead of 15 tonnes at the Load Control Station at Bathuli in Dhamrai upazila of Dhaka district.

Issuing a note of warning, he said punitive action will be taken if anyone found involved in corruption or irregularities at the station.

In reply to a question, the Communications Minister said whatever responsibilities he gets he would perform those with sincerity.

He also said he would provide all-out assistance for newly appointed Railways Minister.