Dhaka, Mar 28 (V7N) -Ongoing road construction on highways leading to Sylhet, northern districts, and Mymensingh, along with the rampant presence of battery-powered auto-rickshaws on almost every major road, is expected to create significant difficulties for Eid travelers.

Additionally, concerns over highway robberies and nighttime muggings have heightened anxiety among passengers.

However, authorities assure that comprehensive preparations have been made to facilitate a smooth journey and minimize disruptions.


According to the Bangladesh Passenger Welfare Association, around 15 million people will leave Dhaka and its surrounding districts for Eid, while another 30 to 35 million will travel between different regions.

Among them, 75% will use road transport, 17% water transport, and 8% railways.

Challenges on Dhaka-Tangail and Dhaka-Mymensingh highways
It is assumed that traffic congestion can create trouble at various points on the Dhaka-Tangail and Dhaka-Mymensingh highways in Gazipur.

Passengers and drivers blame road encroachment, illegal parking, reckless auto rickshaw movement, and the incomplete Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project for this gridlock.


Despite this, police claim to have taken multiple measures to ensure a smoother traffic flow in these areas.

Even with the inauguration of seven flyovers, congestion remains a major concern in Gazipur.

Several points along the Dhaka-Mymensingh highway may create concessions, including Bhawalipur Bazar, Hotapara, Bagher Bazar Bus Stand, and Masterbari. Chandra intersection is a known trouble spot on the Dhaka-Tangail highway.

The ongoing construction on the Tongi to Chandna Chowrasta section of the Gazipur-Mymensingh road, along with the unfinished BRT project, may further worsen traffic conditions.

To manage traffic, police have announced various initiatives, including deploying additional personnel and mobile teams.

Gazipur Metropolitan Police Deputy Commissioner (Traffic) Ashraful Alam said: "We are prioritizing ensuring that vendors do not occupy roads or footpaths. Our traffic teams will be actively monitoring, and we will also recruit traffic volunteers from different organizations."

Additionally, the Nabinagar-Chandra and Abdullahpur-Bypail highways are likely to experience congestion.

The presence of numerous garment factories in these areas raises concerns that workers may block roads in protest over unpaid wages and bonuses, potentially bringing transportation to a standstill.


Dhaka-Sylhet highway challenges
Thirteen points along the Dhaka-Sylhet highway in Narayanganj and Narsingdi could pose difficulties for Eid travelers.

While Narsingdi generally experiences fewer disruptions, the ongoing six-lane expansion of the highway has already slowed traffic.

As the Eid rush intensifies, congestion is expected to worsen in areas such as Madhabdi, Panchdona, and Morjal.

Eid travel woes in the northern districts
The Dhaka-northern districts route is one of the busiest in the country, often plagued by congestion and slow-moving traffic.

During Eid, travel time on this route can increase by 10 to 12 hours, making the journey particularly exhausting.

Buses departing from Dhaka frequently encounter severe congestion at the Baipail and Chandra intersections. It takes vehicles over two hours to cover the 13-kilometre stretch from Baipail to Chandra.

Additional bottlenecks are expected at Gorai Mill Gate, Elenga Bus Stand, and the Jamuna Bridge East Circle, where traffic jams can last for hours.

Traffic issues on the Dhaka-Chittagong highway
The Dhaka-Chittagong highway, particularly around Kanchpur Bridge, remains a major congestion hotspot.

Travelers may face delays at the Signboard Bus Stand, the eastern slope of Kanchpur Bridge, and the Madanpur intersection.

Furthermore, the road between Kanchpur and Meghna Bridge has several loops that could slow down traffic.

In Comilla, congestion is anticipated around the bypass areas of Daudkandi and Choddogram markets, adding to Eid travel woes.

Concerns over battery-powered rickshaws
A significant concern this year is the increasing presence of unauthorized battery-powered three-wheelers on highways.

Transport operators fear that these slow-moving vehicles will contribute to severe congestion and accidents.

Saiful Alam, general secretary of the Bangladesh Road Transport Owners Association, acknowledged that while overall highway conditions have improved, unregulated auto-rickshaws remain a serious road safety hazard.

Measures for a smoother journey
To minimize Eid travel disruptions, authorities have implemented various initiatives.

The Highway and Traffic Police have identified 64 "black spots" prone to severe congestion and deployed additional personnel to regulate traffic flow.

The Dhaka Metropolitan Police’s Traffic Division has also restricted truck entry on key roads during the Eid rush.

The Highway Police will operate 377 checkpoints nationwide, while the District Police will oversee 114 checkpoints and 527 patrol teams.

 

 

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