Downpour leaves commuters stranded, waterlogging slows traffic across Dhaka

Traffic delays, higher fares, and waterlogging disrupt morning travel for many

file photo

Heavy rain has thrown daily life in Dhaka into disarray, with office-goers, students, and workers facing widespread difficulties across the city.

Roads in several areas became waterlogged, slowing traffic movement and triggering severe congestion at multiple points.

On Wednesday, the sky opened up around 6:30am, prompting many students to skip classes, though those bound for workplaces had little choice but to brave the elements.

Many commuters left home without umbrellas and took shelter in nearby shops and buildings, while even those carrying umbrellas were not fully protected, with soaked pants and shoes adding to the struggle.

In the New Market area, the depth of the water made walking with an umbrella nearly impossible, forcing commuters to wade through the slush to reach their buses.

Kamol Sarkar, a passenger of VIP Paribahan from Azimpur bus stand, said the sky suddenly turned dark, leaving him unsure how to reach the office. Despite carrying an umbrella he still got wet before boarding a bus.

Nodi Islam, a commuter in Agargaon, said she was drenched once while looking for a rickshaw and again while trying to catch a bus.

Samia Akter, a working woman from Chankharpul, said waterlogging near her home made it hard to find transport, while rickshaw fares doubled during the rain.

Another female worker said while getting drenched was unavoidable despite her umbrella, the rain offered a brief, albeit messy, respite from the sweltering heat.

Continuous rainfall also caused waterlogging in Karwan Bazar, as well as in Wari, Bakshibazar, Rampura and New Market areas, intensifying public suffering.

The downpour, coupled with gridlocked roads, meant many commuters failed to reach their destinations on time, even after leaving home earlier than usual.