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Published : 13 Mar 2026, 12:15 PM
Work on the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project on the Dhaka–Mymensingh Highway remains unfinished after more than a decade, causing persistent suffering for commuters and travellers. The hardship only worsens during the Eid rush.
Particularly problematic are the fenced-off BRT lanes in the middle of the highway. If a vehicle breaks down or an accident occurs there, rescue vehicles cannot easily reach the spot, often leading to long tailbacks. As a result, officials fear the BRT lanes could again become a “running sore” or major bottleneck for Eid travellers from Gazipur this year.
The government launched the project in December 2012 to introduce a fast, safe and environmentally friendly transport system on a dedicated lane between Gazipur and Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport. The project, covering a 20.5-kilometre stretch, was initially scheduled to be completed within four years and one month.
However, the deadline has already been extended five times. Although the authorities had aimed to finish the work by December 2024, the project is still incomplete, prolonging travellers’ ordeals.
Assistant Deputy Commissioner (Traffic) of Gazipur Metropolitan Police, Amrit Sutradhar, said potholes have developed on parts of the Dhaka–Tangail Highway west of Chandana intersection in Gazipur city.
“If these sections are not repaired before Eid, traffic will slow down and cause congestion during the holiday travel rush,” he said.
When the matter was raised with the local Roads and Highways Department, officials said repairs would not be possible without budget allocation.
During Eid, the shortage of vehicles carrying homebound passengers often encourages some drivers to operate expired or unfit vehicles. Many of these break down partway or get involved in accidents, triggering traffic congestion on the highway.
Moksed Mia, a driver of “Emma Paribahan” buses operating on the Dhaka–Sherpur route, said half of the highway at places such as Bagher Bazar, Nayanpur Bazar, Jainabazar and MC Bazar in Gazipur is occupied by construction materials and roadside hawkers.
In addition, shops and parked auto-rickshaws along the road further slow down buses and other vehicles. With crowds gathering at these markets ahead of Eid, severe traffic congestion often develops, turning a 40-minute journey into one lasting up to two hours.
Removing the roadside shops and auto-rickshaws before Eid would significantly ease traffic snarls, he said.
Sabbir Hossain, an assistant to a bus driver for Three Star Travels on the Dhaka–Mymensingh route, said the road conditions in Bhaluka and Bharadoba in Mymensingh are poor.
“If repairs are not carried out quickly, there is a risk of severe traffic jams during Eid,” he said.
CONGESTION PRONE SPOTS
Passengers and drivers say traffic congestion is likely at several points along the Dhaka–Mymensingh highway, including Tongi Station Road, College Gate, Board Bazar, the Chandana intersection, Bhabanipur in the Sadar Upazila, Bagher Bazar, Gargaria Masterbari in Sreepur Upazila, Mawna intersection, MC Bazar, Nayanpur and Jainabazar.
There are also concerns that the Chandana intersection flyover has yet to fully open, which could again cause suffering for travellers this Eid.
Authorities under the Ministry of Road Transport and Bridges have already identified these congestion-prone areas.
WHAT TRAFFIC POLICE SAY
Deputy Commissioner (Traffic) of Gazipur Metropolitan Police SM Ashraful Alam, said the situation worsens before Eid when garment factories declare holidays and workers rush onto the roads to travel home.
“At that time there are fewer vehicles compared to the number of passengers, which causes congestion,” he said.
He noted that vehicles heading towards Mymensingh pass through the Chandana intersection in the city. Traffic heading from Dhaka to Mymensingh can get some relief by using the flyover there, but the flyover lane for vehicles travelling from Mymensingh to Dhaka has not yet been opened.
“However, authorities have said the Dhaka-bound flyover will open on Thursday. Once it opens, vehicles will be able to move smoothly, and the suffering of Eid travellers in this region will ease,” he added.
When asked about police measures to prevent congestion, Ashraful said discussions had already been held with transport owners’ associations and workers’ unions.
“We have taken coordinated initiatives so that fares are not increased during Eid and vehicles do not stop randomly on the road,” he said.
Additional police personnel in both uniform and plainclothes, along with members of the Rapid Action Battalion and other law enforcing agencies, will remain deployed during Eid, he said, adding that the overall road situation will be closely monitored.
He also noted that factory holidays will begin four days before Eid and will be staggered among different factories, which is expected to reduce congestion.
Some sections of the road from the Chandana intersection and the Dhaka Bypass (Bhogra intersection) to Mirer Bazar are damaged, but repairs are currently under way by the Roads and Highways Department, he added.
POLICE PREPARATIONS FOR NORTHERN REGION
The Dhaka–Tangail Highway carries vehicles travelling to 16 districts in the Rajshahi Division and Rangpur Division. Traffic pressure increases sharply on this highway every year during Eid travel.
Heavy congestion is particularly common at the Chandra Trimor intersection in Kaliakir Upazila.
Illegal encroachment on both sides of the highway at several points has narrowed the road. The situation worsens when garment factories close for holidays, raising fears that congestion could occur if management is not handled properly.
However, senior officials from the metropolitan and district police say they have taken extensive preparations to ensure smooth Eid travel.
Gazipur Superintendent of Police Shafi Uddin said congestion usually forms between Mouchak and Chandra on the highway during Eid travel.
“Based on past experience, we have discussed the issue with relevant officials and taken all necessary preparations. We hope the Eid journey will be smooth and passengers will be able to travel home without traffic congestion,” he said.
At a meeting organised by the district administration, authorities also decided to take effective measures to ensure smooth travel for homebound people and reduce traffic congestion ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr.
The meeting decided to conduct mobile courts and take strict action against the collection of excess fares.
At the meeting, M Manjurul Karim Roni, the lawmaker from Gazipur-2 constituency, urged law enforcement agencies to remain especially vigilant in preventing and controlling crime during Eid.
He also stressed the importance of paying wages and allowances to workers in the garment sector and other industries on time, urging factory owners to remain sincere on the matter.
“No worker should suffer due to unpaid wages,” the MP said, also recommending staggered factory holidays to reduce traffic congestion.
