Traffic Congestion Feared at 13 Spots for North-Bound Holidaymakers Ahead of Eid
Photo Agamir Somoy and Regenerated by AI.
Transport workers, passengers, and locals are anticipating major traffic congestion at 13 critical points on the Dhaka-Tangail-Jamuna Bridge Highway during the upcoming Eid travel rush. Concerns are particularly high regarding the 13.5-kilometer stretch from Elenga to the Jamuna Bridge, where unfinished four-lane development work is expected to aggravate the suffering of commuters.
This highway is a crucial transit artery, serving people of 23 districts across northern and southwestern Bangladesh. While traffic flows smoothly from Joydebpur to Elenga following the completion of four-lane highway upgrades there, the ongoing construction on the Elenga-to-Jamuna Bridge segment remains a primary source of anxiety.
According to sources, approximately 80% of the work on this 13.5-kilometer stretch has been finished. However, construction on flyovers, underpasses, and service lanes is still underway.
The 13 spots identified as high-risk for traffic gridlocks include Hatubhanga in Mirzapur, the regional road in Mirzapur town, Pakulla, Korotia Bypass, Ashikpur Bypass, Rabna Bypass, Gharinda Overbridge, Elenga Bus Stand, the Mymensingh regional road in Elenga, the Elenga-Bhuyanpur regional road, Jokarchar, the Jamuna Bridge Roundabout, and the immediate Jamuna Bridge area.
Drivers blame the slow pace of work and lack of oversight by the contracting firms for failing to meet the project deadlines. They fear that, like previous years, this delay will trigger severe gridlocks during the festival rush.
Passengers said consistent and effective highway monitoring could prevent these recurring bottlenecks. They have also urged the authorities to increase surveillance to stop transport operators from charging exorbitant fares.
Shafiqul Islam, a resident of the Jokarchar area, said the Jamuna Bridge Roundabout, Elenga, Rabna Bypass, and Ashikpur Bypass routinely witness heavy gridlocks during Eid. He attributed the problem to indiscriminate parking, random passenger pickups, and the massive influx of vehicles.
Siddiq Hossain, another local resident, pointed out that vehicle volume surges from the usual 10,000 to 12,000 per day to nearly 50,000 during the holiday period. This sudden explosion in traffic is the main trigger for severe delays.
Sohel, a bus driver on this route, explained that when unfit vehicles break down, removing them takes too long, causing tailbacks to stretch for kilometers within minutes. He demanded strict restrictions on fitness-lacking vehicles during the festive rush.
Local businessman Mizan highlighted that the uncontrolled movement of small vehicles and haphazard parking near filling stations further complicate the traffic flow.
Abdul Latif, a minibus owner, suggested that simultaneous holiday declarations across public and private sectors prompt a massive, coordinated departure from Dhaka, multiplier-effecting the pressure on the highway.
Monayem Master, a resident of Nikrail, said idening the highway to four or six lanes is not a standalone fix. He pointed out that the sheer volume of holiday traffic combined with the limited capacity of the Jamuna Bridge itself remains a core obstacle.
Rabiul Awal, Project Manager of Abdul Monem Limited, stated that all four lanes on both sides of the highway will be kept open for traffic to facilitate the Eid journey. He expressed hope that this measure would prevent major gridlocks.
Syed Riaz Uddin, Executive Engineer of the Jamuna Bridge, noted that nine toll booths will be operational on each side of the bridge during Eid. Separate booths will also be set up for motorcycles.
Md. Shariful Islam, Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Elenga Highway Police Station, mentioned that additional police forces will be deployed to ensure the smooth movement of cattle-laden and passenger vehicles. Surveillance at key points will also be stepped up to prevent theft, mugging, and robbery.
State Minister for Fisheries and Livestock, Sultan Salahuddin Tuku, urged everyone to travel with caution. He added that alongside law enforcement agencies, volunteer teams have been kept ready to assist in easing traffic congestion.
