Police flag 24 Eid gridlock hotspots on Dhaka-Chattogram Highway

Authorities fear congestion from toll delays, roadside markets and unfinished repairs

Highway police have identified 24 congestion-prone points along the Cumilla stretch of the Dhaka-Chattogram Highway before the Eid-ul-Azha travel rush.

It warned of possible gridlock across nearly 200km from Munshiganj to Feni.

The Eid exodus by road began Thursday, while rail travel started Saturday. Government holidays begin Monday.

On Sunday, authorities insisted the country’s economic “lifeline” will remain traffic-free through intensified patrols, surveillance and emergency road repairs.

Cumilla Roads and Highways Sub-Divisional Engineer Adnan Ibn Hasan said the Meghna toll plaza in Munshiganj was among the biggest concerns, fearing slow toll collection under heavy vehicle pressure.

Gauripur, Amirabad, Chandina, Madhaiya, Padua Bazar, Miabazar, Chauddagram, Mahipal, Baraiyarhat, Sitakunda and several roadside market and bus-stop areas were also marked as vulnerable.

Ongoing repairs between Cumilla Cantonment and Alekhar Char could worsen delays.

Passengers and drivers urged authorities to stop illegal parking, roadside cattle markets and random passenger pick-ups.

They also demanded tougher action against muggers, “Molom Party” -- who specialise in temporarily blinding and robbing unsuspecting people -- and highway robbers active during Eid congestion.

“Usually traffic pressure rises three or four times during Eid. Criminal gangs become active then,” passenger Mahfuz Ahmed said.

Truck driver Aminul complained police often fail to clear stalled vehicles quickly, allowing traffic jams to spiral.

Bus driver Abdur Rahman blamed recurring roadside encroachments and months-long repair work near the cantonment.

“Now there’s scorching heat and sudden rain -- people suffer endlessly in traffic,” he said.

Road safety campaigner Alamgir Hossain warned toll booth closures over change shortages could trigger massive tailbacks.

Executive Engineer Abdur Rahim said authorities had instructed toll operators to keep enough small notes. “Passengers and drivers should also carry the exact toll amount,” he said.