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Published : 25 Mar 2025, 03:18 AM
As millions prepare to leave Dhaka for Eid-ul-Fitr, five major highways are expected to bear the brunt of the heavy traffic.
Among these, the Dhaka-Sylhet Highway has raised significant concern due to its narrow lanes and ongoing roadworks.
Other routes are not expected to face significant traffic disruptions, according to drivers, vehicle owners, and law-enforcing personnel.
The Dhaka-Sylhet Highway is already narrow, with some areas full of potholes, and sections are undergoing a six-lane expansion.
The route’s challenges are more compounded by the presence of markets, factories, and the constant presence of autorickshaws.
Roadworks on the northern route may cause some congestion at Elenga, while the construction of a flyover in Gaibandha could cause similar issues.
On the Dhaka-Chattogram Highway, except for 12 "hotspots" in Cumilla, drivers and passengers are not expecting major disruptions.
The Mymensingh route may face difficulties at 15 points, although efforts are underway to ensure smooth travel through Gazipur.
The southern route is anticipated to be largely trouble-free.
Law-enforcing agencies have said measures will be taken to reduce congestion, including increasing manpower at toll plazas.
Vehicle owners have also pledged to make necessary arrangements to ensure smooth traffic flow at critical points around the capital.
Enhanced management at Dhaka's terminals is expected to ensure a smoother journey, while police have imposed a seven-day ban on truck and covered van movements before and after Eid.
Authorities remain hopeful for a peaceful Eid journey despite potential challenges.
CONCERN OVER DHAKA-SYLHET HIGHWAY
The Dhaka-Sylhet Highway stands out as the primary concern for both drivers and passengers this Eid.
Ibrahim Molla, a driver for Mitali Paribahan on the Dhaka-Hobiganj route, said: "The road is already narrow, and from Bhairab Bridge, the potholes create constant traffic jams."
"Moreover, the road from Dhaka to Narsingdi is lined with markets and factories, and autorickshaws are a nuisance too," he added.
Abdul Hannan, the Superintendent of Police (SP) in Narsingdi, said the ongoing six-lane construction on this highway has altered traffic conditions.
Additional police personnel have been deployed since Ramadan to manage the increased traffic.
He added, "We have announced measures to restrict three-wheeled vehicles on the highway and introduced changes to traffic management to facilitate smoother travel during Eid."
"We have also requested contractors to repair alternative routes due to ongoing construction work on the highway," he said.
DRIVERS IN UTTARA SEEK RELIEF UNTIL CHANDRA
As millions of people travel from Dhaka for Eid, many buses from the northern region depart from Gabtali and Mohakhali terminals.
However, buses heading to northern destinations often encounter heavy traffic before reaching Chandra in Gazipur.
Azizul Haque Bhola, a bus driver on the Dhaka-Kurigram route, said: "The road to the north is quite good. The traffic congestion that used to occur at the Gabtali Bridge crossing is now eased due to the widened road; there is no longer any problem stopping there."
"However, if traffic control measures are not enforced at the Ashulia Thana Baipayl and Chandra intersections in Gazipur, there will still be trouble on the way to the Jamuna Bridge.
“The toll collection process needs to be streamlined to avoid congestion," he added.
Azizul also said, "There are several single-lane roads in Bogura, and there are disruptions on the road to Gobindaganj. The road suddenly narrows, and the condition is poor. This area is prone to traffic jams. If police could clear autorickshaws and shops, it would help ease the traffic."
Gobindaganj Highway Police chief Mozaffar Hossain, said: "To control traffic congestion in Gobindaganj and Palashbari, 10 coordinated teams consisting of Highway Police, local police, district traffic police, and Ansar members are working together."
When asked about concerns regarding robbery or criminal activities on highways during Eid, driver Azizul said: "A few days ago, I heard reports of such incidents. Some boys, armed with weapons, were causing trouble for vehicles stuck in traffic in Ashulia, Gazipur's Tongi, and Board Bazar areas."
"I heard about similar incidents near the Jamuna Bridge. But it seems such incidents have decreased recently. We haven't heard anything for a while.
“Moreover, the highways are busy with many vehicles, and there is heavy police presence. I don't expect any such issues to occur now," he said.
Delwar Hossain Miah, additional IG of Highway Police, said: "These incidents had indeed increased earlier, but they have now decreased. We haven't received reports of any such incidents in the last seven days."
"Police are vigilant on the roads, with senior officers working late into the night. We expect a smooth journey this time. God willing, everyone will return home without any problems."
Regarding traffic control, he said: "CCTV cameras have been installed at critical points, including the Hatikumrul intersection in Sirajganj and Chandra. We are fully prepared this time, learning from previous experiences."
NEED FOR FASTER TOLL COLLECTION
On the Dhaka-Chattogram route, bus drivers complain about delays due to rickshaws occupying the main road.
Md Nowshad, a driver for CDM Travels on the Dhaka-Chattogram route, said: "Rickshaws need to be controlled near the Signboard and Kanchpur bridges. Local buses should not park on the road blocking traffic."
"Traffic jams are a constant problem at the Meghna Bridge toll plaza. If additional personnel can expedite toll collection, it would reduce congestion. Also, there are several markets along the road causing disruptions."
Highway Police's Kanchpur region SP Khairul Alam said: "To ensure safety and smooth Eid travel, more than 800 police personnel will be deployed in the Cumilla region.
"Rover Scouts will also assist. They have been provided with distinct uniforms to ensure that no one engages in extortion or other illegal activities under the guise of performing duties," Khairul added.
EFFORTS TO EASE HOLIDAY TRAFFIC
Dhaka Transport Owners’ Association Secretary Saiful Alam told bdnews24.com, “Based on past experience, we have provided police with a list of areas around Dhaka that are prone to traffic congestion. Police and local authorities have assured us that they will bring these areas under stricter management.”
"In areas like Ashulia, Chandra, Belabo in Narsingdi, Kanchpur, Shanir Akhra, and Murapara Bypass, our personnel will remain vigilant alongside the police. We hope that vehicles will be able to move smoothly along these routes.”
Saiful added, “We have also taken measures to prevent terminal-centric congestion in Dhaka. Moreover, this year’s holiday period is longer, and people have already started leaving early. So, we do not anticipate severe traffic congestion.”
Additional DIG (Media) of Highway Police Md Shamsul Alam told bdnews24.com: “We do not foresee major traffic congestion this time.
“However, we will get a clearer picture after truck movements are halted from the 25th,” he said.
"Road conditions in the northern region are good, and the Dhaka-Chattogram highway, as well as the routes to the south via the Padma Bridge, are also in good shape. We are fully prepared, and we hope there will be no major issues,” he added.
However, Shamsul acknowledged possible difficulties on the Dhaka-Sylhet highway due to ongoing six-lane expansion work.
“Roads have narrowed in some places, and there are damaged sections. This raises concerns about potential travel disruptions,” he said.
On toll collection, he added: “We have held advance meetings with toll plaza authorities. We have advised them to increase manpower to ensure faster toll collection.”
[Writing in English by Arshi Fatiha Quazi]
