Eid travel rush may choke Dhaka–Mymensingh Highway at 15 spots

Homebound travellers may face traffic snarl-ups at least 15 points along the Mymensingh section of the Dhaka–Mymensingh Highway during the upcoming Eid travel rush.

Drivers say bottlenecks are likely at several locations each year, including the Patgudam Bridge intersection in Mymensingh city, the bypass intersection on the Dhaka–Mymensingh Highway, Churkhai, Bailor, Trishal Bus Stand, Bhoradoba, Bhaluka Bus Stand and Square Masterbari.

Transport operators say potholes on the road and illegal structures along both sides of the highway could worsen the situation this year as well.

Long-distance bus drivers have called for the removal of illegal roadside establishments and restrictions on the movement of three-wheeler vehicles ahead of Eid.

However, Mymensingh Additional Superintendent of Police (Administration and Finance) Abdullah Al Mamun said authorities are preparing to deploy additional police at the identified points to manage traffic.

Rana Mia, a driver with Shoukhin Paribahan travelling between Mymensingh and Dhaka, said congestion is usually worst at the bypass intersection, Bhaluka and Square Masterbari.

“There are illegal structures around these areas. If those are not removed, passengers will face the same congestion this year,” he said.

Another driver, Hafiz Uddin, said Eid travel typically brings a sharp rise in traffic on the highway.

“I have been involved in the transport sector for 15 to 20 years. Experience tells me there will be congestion again this time,” he said.

“The reasons include excessive traffic pressure, unskilled drivers and three-wheeled vehicles. Every Eid the number of unauthorised vehicles on the roads increases, so the authorities must control them.”

But Main Uddin, an autorickshaw driver, rejected claims that three-wheelers cause traffic jams.

“We regularly travel between Mymensingh, Trishal and Bhaluka using the highway because we need to earn a living,” he said.

“Our vehicles do not cause traffic jams. During Eid buses often stop on the road to pick up passengers, which creates congestion, but the blame is placed on us.”

Imtiaz Ahmed, president of the cultural organisation Samaj Rupantar Sangskritik Sangha, said Mymensingh city's status as a divisional hub leads to heavy traffic movement in multiple directions.

“As a result, every year people have to sit in long traffic jams for hours and sometimes pay extra fares,” he said.

“If the authorities are not proactive, travellers may face the same suffering this year.”

Officials say steps are being taken to ensure smoother travel.

Khairul Bashar Mohammad Saddam Hossain, executive engineer of the Roads and Highways Department, said illegal roadside markets are being removed ahead of Eid.

“So far the roads in Mymensingh remain suitable for travel. If any damage occurs, mobile teams will repair it immediately,” he said.

However, he added that traffic congestion may still occur due to the increased number of vehicles during Eid.

Police say additional personnel will be deployed at the congestion-prone points.

“Reducing passenger suffering requires coordinated efforts from all concerned,” said Additional Superintendent of Police Abdullah Al Mamun, adding that plainclothes personnel will also be deployed to prevent disorder during the Eid travel period.